I have experience working with people who have mental illnesses, but before I did, I was
uniformed and had stereotypes in my head.  For example, I always thought that people with
schizophrenia were dangerous and could snap at any moment. I thought that people who
suffered from depression we're always locked in a room somewhere crying their eyes out, not
wanting to eat or socialize. I always thought that people with illnesses like depression should
stop trying to get attention and snap out of it. To me it seemed to be “all in their heads.”
            When I stated working as an RMA for the doctor I am with now, I met several people
with different types of mental illness. I have patients who suffer from anxiety, depression,
bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. I also have many patients who are
dealing with disruptive behavior and dissocial disorders due to dementia.  As I got to know
these patients, a lot of my stereotypes disappeared.  Most of them I wouldn’t have even
known they had a mental condition if I wasn’t involved in their care.
            There are many myths about mental illness.  They include:
Myth: Mental health problems are rare and unusual.
Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common.
Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.
Fact: It is estimated that more than six 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
their community.
Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health problems. Once a friend or family
member develops mental health problems, he or she will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover
completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and
participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community
support systems than ever before. (Mentalhealth.gov 2019)
            Before I started working as an RMA, I did not know anyone with a mental illness that
I know of.  As I stated before, the patients I work with that have mental illnesses do not meet
the stereotypes that are displayed in society or on the TV.  They are great people who have
struggled to control their conditions and are leading close to normal if not completely normal
lives.
 
Mentalhealth.gov (2019) Common Misconceptions About Mental Illness. Retrieved
from: https://www.lbhc.org/uploads/5/3/9/0/53909211/myths_about_mh_pdf.pd
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