1. Myth: Mental illnesses are only
in your mind;  they're not real illnesses.
Reality: Mental illnesses are serious medical conditions, just like cancer or diabetes, that can have a dramatic impact on a person's life, family and community and on society as a whole -- and they can be tremendously debilitating.
2. Myth: Only crazy people are mentally ill.
Reality: There is nothing crazy or abnormal about people who have a mental illness. It's a very democratic condition; we are all at risk.
3. Myth: Treatment goes on forever and doesn't really help.
Reality: The myth that mentally ill people cannot get better perpetuates the barrier of stigma, embarrassment and fear that deters some people from recognizing and accepting that they have a mental illness -- and then seeking and receiving help.
4. Myth: Mental health isn't as important to your well-being as physical health is.
Reality: Mental health is an integral part of health. When our mental health is poor because of stress or other challenges in our lives, it can weaken the immune system and affect the entire body.
5. Myth: Changing behavior is easy. All it takes is willpower to overcome mental illness.
Reality: If changing behavior were easy, everyone would find it easy to lose weight and follow healthful habits. Those of us in the mental health field always are looking for ways to help people make behavioral changes so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives. |
