The most shocking thing about mental health is how little people know about it.  This is one of the greatest barriers that face individuals struggling with mental illness or addiction because, so often, these illnesses are misunderstood.  The stigma surrounding mental illness often discourages individuals and their families from seeking the help they need for fear of embarrassment, isolation or discrimination in the community or workplace.

Part of Mental Health America’s mission is to eliminate STIGMA!  One of the best ways to fight STIGMA is with proper information, and MHA works to serve as a resource for accurate information concerning mental illness and wellness for all, not just those affected by mental illness.

It is sometimes easy to forget that our brain, like all of our other organs, is vulnerable to disease.  People with mental illnesses often exhibit many types of behaviors such as extreme sadness and irritability, and in more severe cases, they may also suffer from hallucinations and total withdrawal.  Instead of receiving compassion and acceptance, people with mental illnesses may experience hostility, discrimination and stigma.

Unfortunately, the media is responsible for many of the misconceptions which persist about people with mental illnesses.  Newspapers, in particular, often stress a history of mental illness in the backgrounds of people who commit crimes of violence.  Television news programs frequently sensationalize crimes where persons with mental illnesses are involved.  Also, comedians make fun of people with mental illnesses, using their disabilities as a source of humor, and national advertisers use stigmatizing images as promotional gimmicks to sell products. 

Ironically, the media also offers our best hope for eradicating stigma because of its power to educate and influence public opinion.

Myth: “Young people and children don’t suffer from mental problems.”

Fact:  It is estimated that more than 6 million young people in America may suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in the community.

Myth: “People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions."

Fact:  Today, most people can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of supports, programs and/or medications.

Myth: “A person who has a mental illness can never be normal.”

Fact:  People with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities.  For example, Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes”, who has clinical depression, has received treatment and today leads an enriched and accomplished life.

Myth: “Mentally ill persons are dangerous.”

Fact:  The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent.  In a case where violence does occur, the incident typically results from the same reasons as with the general public, such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs.

Myth: “People with mental illnesses can work low-level jobs but aren’t suited for really important or responsible positions.”

Fact:  People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation.