MISCNCEPTIONS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

PRESENTED BY
MR RAGHUNATH
NURSING OFFICERS –PAVILLION 1
NIMHANS
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH????

WHAT IS
MENTAL ILLNESS???
 DEFINITION:According to the WHO (World
Health Organization), mental health is:"...
state of well-being in which the individual
realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with
the normal stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully, and is able to
make a contribution to his or her
community."The WHO stresses that mental
health "is not just the absence of mental
disorder."
MISCONCEPTIONS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

A misconception is a conclusion that's

wrong because it's based on faulty thinking
or facts that are wrong
The stigma associated with mental illness
is now called “sanism.” Just like racism , it is a
form of oppression and discrimination. And
there is a lot of sanism and misinfomrmation
surrounding mental illness still present within
our society..
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
MISCONCEPTION

MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE CAUSED BY WITCHCRAFT,

SPELLS OR POSSESSION BY DEMONS•MENTAL
ILLNESSES ARE THE RESULT OF PUNISHMENT BY A
“HIGHER POWER” (SUCH AS GOD OR KARMA)
FACT
Mental illnesses are
the result of
disturbances in usual
brain function that lead
to difficulties with the
control of feelings,
thinking and behaviors
Mental illnesses are not
caused by spirits,
witches or demons
Mental illnesses are not
the result of punishment
from God or bad Karma
MISCONCEPTION

“YOUNG PEOPLE AND

CHILDREN DON’T SUFFER
FROM MENTAL HEALTH
PROBLEMS.”
FACT
It is estimated that more than twenty million
young people in INDIA may suffer from a
mental health disorder that severely disrupts
their ability to function at home, in school, or in
their community Even very young children may
show early warning signs of mental health
concerns. Early mental health support can help
a child before problems interfere with other
developmental needs.
 MISCONCEPTION:

“PEOPLE WHO NEED PSYCHIATRIC

CARE SHOULD BE LOCKED AWAY
IN INSTITUTIONS AND TREATED
LIFE LONG.”
FACT:
 Nat all today, most people
can lead productive lives
within their communities
thanks to a variety of
support programs, and/or
medications.
MISCONCEPTION:
“A PERSON WHO HAS
HAD A MENTAL
ILLNESS CAN NEVER
BE NORMAL.”
FACT
People with mental illnesses can,
and do, recover to resume
normal activities
MISCONCEPTION
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
ARE VIOLENT AND UNPREDICTABLE.PEOPLE
WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE SCARY
AND VIOLENT, MENTALLY ILL PERSONS ARE
DANGEROUS.
 FACT
The vast majority of people with mental
health problems are no more likely to be violent
than anyone else. Most people with mental illness
are not violent and only 3%–5% of violent acts can
be attributed to individuals living with a serious
mental illness. This is an idea that is reinforced by
sensationalized stories in the media. However, the
most common mental health problems have no
significant link to violent behavior..The idea that
society should fear people suffering from mental
conditions because of a propensity for violence
couldn’t be further from the actual truth. Study after
study shows that individuals with mental health
conditions are far more likely to be victims of
violence than to perpetuate it.
MISCONCEPTION

“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
MISCONCEPTION

PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS, EVEN

THOSE WHO ARE MANAGING THEIR MENTAL
ILLNESS, CANNOT TOLERATE THE STRESS OF
HOLDING DOWN A JOB.
FACT
People with mental health problems are just
as productive as other employees.
Employers who hire people with mental
health problems report good attendance
and punctuality as well as motivation, good
work, and job tenure on par with or greater
than other employees.
When employees with mental health
problems receive effective treatment, it can
result in:
 Lower total medical costs
 Increased productivity
 Lower absenteeism
 Decreased disability costs
MISCONCEPTION
PERSONALITY WEAKNESS OR
CHARACTER FLAWS CAUSE MENTAL HEALTH
PROBLEMS..
FACT:
 Mental health problems have nothing to
do with being lazy or weak and many
people need help to get better. Many
factors contribute to mental health
problems, including:
 Biological factors, such as genes, physical
illness, injury, or brain chemistry
 Life experiences, such as trauma or a
history of abuse
 Family history of mental health problems
MISCONCEPTION

THERAPY AND SELF-HELP ARE A WASTE

OF TIME.
FACT
Treatment for mental health problems
varies depending on the individual and
could include medication, therapy, or
both. Many individuals work with a support
system during the healing and recovery
process.
MISCONCEPTION

I CAN'T DO ANYTHING FOR A PERSON WITH

A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM.
 FACT
Friends and loved ones can make a big difference.. Friends
and family can be important influences to help someone get
the treatment and services they need by:
 Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help
 Helping them access mental health services
 Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially
if you hear something that isn't true
 Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else
 Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such
as "crazy"”mental”and etc
MISCONCEPTION

PREVENTION DOESN'T WORK. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE

TO PREVENT MENTAL ILLNESSES.
FACT
Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral
disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors
such as exposure to trauma that can affect the
chances that children, youth, and young adults will
develop mental health problems. Promoting the social-
emotional well-being of children and youth leads to:
 Higher overall productivity
 Better educational outcomes
 Lower crime rates
 Stronger economies
 Lower health care costs
 Improved quality of life
 Increased lifespan
 Improved family life
MISCONCEPTION
THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY EXAGGERATES
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS TO MAKE A PROFIT
FACT
Some individuals believe that doctors
and pharmaceutical companies are
exaggerating the prevalence of mental
health disorders in order to capitalize on
the issue. The fact that there is more
awareness about mental illness today is
thanks to campaigns and more people
coming forward. People with mental
conditions are feeling stronger no longer
to hide behind shame and denial.
MISCONCEPTION
DRUGS ARE THE ONLY WAY TO TREAT
MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
 FACT
This is one of those misconceptions about
mental health that requires a nuanced,
multi-layered rebuttal. Medications can be
helpful for treating certain mental health
conditions, but that depends on the patient
and his or her health history.. There are
plenty of psychological and environmental
factors that must be addressed through
therapy and lifestyle changes. It is important
to uncover these during treatment programs.
MISCONCEPTION
PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS ARE BAD.
 FACT
People tend to believe that psychiatric medicine is
harmful. That, or they believe that psych meds are simply
“happy pills” and “an easy way out” for those with mental
illness to avoid dealing with their problems. Again, this is
simply not true. Just like any other detrimental medical
condition, mental illness is still an illness. , just like it would
be for a diabetic taking insulin. For some individuals with
mental illness, medication is needed for survival. For others,
like those who have mild to moderate depression, anxiety,
or ADHD, medication can help ease symptoms, so they can
function normally. And having regular therapy combined
with medication can greatly improve one’s quality of life.
Treatments for mental illnesses are as good (and as bad) as
treatments for physical illnesses. Unfortunately, not
everyone gets well with treatments –for mental or for
physical illnesses.Treatments for mental disorders are based
on best scientific evidence, not people’s opinion about
what works
MISCONCEPTION

SEEKING HELP FOR MENTAL ILLNESS WILL

LEAD TO BEING OSTRACIZED AND MAKE
SYMPTOMS WORSE
FACT
We know it’s hard to come out to anyone
about having a mental illness, especially
because they’re so commonly misunderstood
and people who are unfamiliar with mental
illness tend to think that people are the way
they are because of nature, personality or
attitude. But when you do have the strength,
courage and bravery to open up to someone
else, you are working to alleviate the stigma,
increase awareness, empower yourself, grow
as a person, and promote understanding of
mental health. So don’t let others perceptions
scare you from getting the help you need.
MISCONCEPTION

MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE CAUSED BY THE USUAL

STRESSES OF EVERYDAY LIFE
.
FACT
Everyday life stresses are normal and
necessary for learning and developing life
skills. They do not cause mental illnesses. For
some people, severe and persistent stress
(e.g. living in a war zone) increases the risk
for developing a mental illness
MISCONCEPTION:
MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE CAUSED BY POOR
MOTHERING .
FACT:

Mothers have been blamed for many

things, including causing mental illnesses.
Poor mothering may not help children grow
and develop well but by itself does not
cause mental illness
MISCONCEPTION:
PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS SHOULD NOT
HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS THE REST OF SOCIETY
 FACT
A person who has a mental illness has all the
human and social rights that every other
person has.
 MISCONCEPTION:
PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS CANNOT
BE GOOD FRIENDS
FACT
People who have a mental illness
can be just as good a friend as
someone who does not have a mental
illness
MISCONCEPTION
PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS CANNOT
ACHIEVE ANYTHING
FACT
Sometimes a mental illness can make
it difficult for a person to work (same as a
physical illness), but with proper treatment
a person with a mental illness can work
very well. Some of the world’s greatest
achievers have had a mental illness.
MISCONCEPTION
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ARE TO
BLAME FOR THEIR OWN PROBLEMS
FACT
People with mental illness may often
feel embarrassed, or that they are inferior
to others, experience low self-esteem and
low confidence. This is called “self-stigma”
and is made worse by the misconceptions
others have about people with a mental
illness
MISCONCEPTION:
MENTAL ILLNESS IS THE SAME AS
MENTAL RETARDATION.
FACT:
The two are distinct disorders. A mental
retardation diagnosis is characterized by
limitations in intellectual functioning and
difficulties with certain living skills. In contrast,
people with mental illnesses—health
conditions that cause changes in a person’s
thinking, mood, and behavior—have varied
intellectual functioning, just like the general
population
MISCONCEPTION

MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE BROUGHT ON BY A

WEAKNESS OF CHARACTER.
FACT
Mental illnesses are a product of the
interaction of biological, psychological, and
social factors. Research has shown genetic
and biological factors are associated with
schizophrenia, depression, and alcoholism.
Social influences, such as loss of a loved
one or a job, can also contribute to the
development of various disorders.
MISCONCEPTION
MENTAL ILLNESS CAN BE CURED BY
GEETING THE PATIENT MARRIED
FACT

Marriage cannot be a cure for mental illness

rather it creates more burden to the family
 MISCONCEPTION

ONCE PEOPLE DEVELOP MENTAL ILLNESSES, THEY

WILL NEVER RECOVER.
FACT
Studies show that most people with mental
illnesses 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. For some
individuals, recovery is the ability to live a
fulfilling and productive life. For others,
recovery implies the reduction or complete
remission of symptoms. Science has shown
that having hope plays an integral role in an
individual’s recovery
 COMBATING AND
OVERCOMING
MISCONCEPTIONS OF MENTAL
ILLNESS
What we have to do??????
 Avoid labeling people with words like “crazy,”
“mental,” “loony,” or by their diagnosis
 Learn the facts about mental health and share
them with others, especially if you hear
something that is untrue.
 Treat people with mental illnesses with respect
and dignity, as you would anybody else.
 Respect the rights of people with mental illnesses
and don’t discriminate against them when it
comes to housing, employment, or education.
 Health education through mass media,public
lectures and group discussions
conclusion
 Many people do not know about the realities
of mental illness and so they continue to
believe misconceptions Once you know the
realities about mental illnesses, you can help
bust misconceptions by letting others know
the Realities Everyone can Bust
misconceptions when they Speak Realities.
As we people are closely related to mental
health and mental illness it is our duty to
create awareness and combat the
misconceptions of mental illness.
REFERENCES
M.S Bhatiya[2015] Psychiatric Disorders-Myths
And Realities. “The Delhi Psychiatry Journal
Vol-18 P231-232
www.psychology.today.com
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