Mental Illness: It Isn’t What You Think

Brie Koons
Aug 28, 2017 · 4 min read

The Myths & Stereotypes of Mental Illness

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A lot of people think it must be obvious if a person is mentally ill. They should look crazy, seem unstable or be different. What most people don’t realize is that many people with mental health conditions look like anyone else. Mental illness is described as being the invisible illness. You can’t see it in a person.

People with mental health conditions are all around us. They’re teachers and students, doctors and patients, parents and children. They are not dangerous. They are not crazy. They are not weak. They are normal, everyday people living with a condition.

In this article I intend to break down some of the myths and stereotypes involved with mental health.

Myth#1. People with mental illnesses are dangerous or unpredictable. This is the most common stereotype about people with mental health conditions. Unfortunately, the news media tends to reinforce this belief on a daily basis. Studies show that news coverage in the U.S. of people with mental illnesses tends to portray them as violent individuals more often than not. And frequently in TV shows or movies, such as M. Night Shyamalan’s recent “Split,” they are portrayed as villains or evil psychopaths.

Reality. Most people with mental illness never commit acts of violence and are more likely than others to be victims of violence. The reality is that people who do not have a mental illness commit most violent crimes. In fact, only 3–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. Most people with mental illnesses are harmless. You probably know someone with a mental health condition and don’t even realize it, because many people with these conditions are highly active and productive members of society.

Myth#2. People with mental health conditions are incompetent. This stereotype is also very pervasive. Popular media furthers this stereotype by portraying people with mental illness as wildly irrational or childlike.

Reality. This stereotype could not be further from the truth. Examples such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Ernest Hemmingway demonstrate that many people with mental health conditions are incredibly intelligent and talented individuals.

Myth#3. People with mental illness deserve blame for their conditions. While this stereotype has lessened somewhat in recent years, it is still very common. It is also said that people with mental illnesses are weak or have character flaws that lead to their conditions.

Reality. Research has shown that life experiences, trauma, and biology are to blame for mental illness, not the person with the diagnosis. (side note: I’ve always been told by my doctors that most mental illnesses are hereditary. I can see where life experiences or trauma could trigger symptoms of mental illness, for example; abuse could trigger a manic episode. But I don’t believe they cause the illness itself.)

Myth#4. People with mental illnesses have little hope for recovery. This stereotype would have you believe that a person with mental illness is irretrievably damaged.

Reality. Research has shown that most people who receive treatment do improve, including those with serious conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Sadly, one of the reasons some people with diagnosable conditions do not seek help is because they believe this stereotype.

I could say a lot more on this subject, but I’m going to leave it at that for now. I feel it is important to help spread awareness on the topic of mental health and portray the reality of what it’s like to live with a mental health condition.

I can understand why there is stigma and fear, but the reality is that with proper treatment, many people with mental illnesses live normal and fulfilling lives.

These people are not monsters. They are ordinary, everyday folk living with an illness that is not well understood.

A lot of people would be surprised to know there are current celebrities, CEO’s, authors or popular speakers living with mental illnesses.

Want an example? Singer Demi Lovato lives with bipolar disorder, and is outspoken about it. Actress Carrie Fisher was bipolar, and so is actress Catherine Zeta Jones. Author Virginia Woolf suffered from severe depression. So did Abraham Lincoln, one of the United States greatest presidents. Actress Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) recently opened up about her long battle with anxiety in an Instagram post.

There are more people than I could even mention in this article. Past and present. People who have fought the battle to overcome their struggles with mental health and won.

In order to live in a fully functioning society, we must accept the reality of mental illnesses and eradicate stigma so that people can live without fear of judgement.

People with mental health conditions are fully capable of contributing to society, living normal lives, and finding avenues to success, just the same as anyone else.

With the medical treatments available today, mental illness is highly manageable, and most people do extremely well. All I ask is for patience, support and maybe even a little love for these people. 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Chances are, you already know someone with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or another case. Educate yourself, be aware, and above all spread love. ❤

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Brie Koons

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Hi there! I’m a freelance writer who writes about all topics in the health and wellness genre.

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