Mental Health Information
Myth
Mental illness does not affect the average person.
Reality
No one is immune to mental illness. The National Institute of Mental Health's statistics show 35 million Americans have some form of mental illness in any given six months.
Myth
Most people who struggle with mental illness live on the streets or are in mental hospitals.
Reality
About two-thirds of Americans who have a mental illness live in the community, either with their family or in various types of community living settings.
Myth
Children do not get mental illness.
Reality
Twelve million children and adolescents do suffer diagnosable mental disorders including depression, attention deficit disorders, and conduct disorder. In June 2006, National Institute of Mental Health researchers reported that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Most are undiagnosed and untreated for decades.
Myth
A person can recover from a mental illness by thinking positively and praying.
Reality
Certain types of self-talk can be helpful, but mental illness is not the result of a lack of self-discipline. Recovery is possible when the person receives the necessary treatment and supportive services.
Myth
People who have a mental illness are dangerous.
Reality
Most individuals suffering from even the most severe mental illness are in touch with reality and not actively psychotic. Their illness is much more likely to make them victims of violence, not perpetrators. Ninety percent of all mental illness is treatable.
Myth
If people with other disabilities can cope on their own, people who have a mental illness should be able to do so as well.
Reality
Most people who have been through a disabling illness need help or rehabilitation to return to normal functioning. Physical therapy often fills this role after physical illness. Similarly, following mental illness, social rehabilitation is often needed.
Myth
People with mental illness are less intelligent.
Reality
Mental illness and developmental disabilities are two different disorders. Persons with mental illnesses reflect a normal range of intelligence.
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