Myths About Mental Illness

There's a lot of misinformation about mental health floating around. Educating yourself and others about some of these common myths can help to challenge much of the stigma surrounding mental health.

Myth:
I can't be affected by mental health problems if I don't present a mental health diagnosis or symptoms of serious illness.
Fact:
Mental health is a part of our lives whether we like it or not. Situations that affect us are going to happen to us whether we like it or not, too. Even if you aren’t diagnosed with a severe illness you have to be aware of your health and take care of it. It doesn’t mean you are weak.
Myth:
Mental illnesses aren't real illnesses.
Fact:
Mental illnesses are real health problems with real treatments. They create distress, and they don't go away on their own. Even if you don’t see immediate consequences, be sure they’ll appear eventually. You wouldn't tell someone with a broken leg to “just get over it,” nor would you judge them for needing a cast or crutch to help them cope. Mental illness is no different.
Myth:
Mental health issues are caused by personality weakness or character flaws.
Fact:

Your personality or ability to handle your problems have nothing to do with mental illness. Mental illness isn't “just in your head,” and it has nothing to do with being weak or lazy. Many factors contribute to mental illness, including:

  • Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injuries or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems
  • Experiencing discrimination and hate, including racism, homophobia, biphobia or transphobia
  • Experiencing poverty and money worries
  • Living in an area with poor access to services like healthcare, public transport and green spaces
Myth:
People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
Fact:

Only 3% to 5% of violent acts can be linked to people living with serious mental illness. In fact, it is important to note that people with mental health issues are more than 10 times more likely to be victims of violence than to be the cause.

Also, we can all become violent at times when stress factors are too much, completely overwhelming and we are not able to handle it for any reason.
Myth:
People don't recover from mental illness.
Fact:
People can and do recover from mental illness. There are many different kinds of treatment, services, and support that can help, and many people with mental health issues lead productive, engaged lives. Even when people do experience mental health issues that last for a long time or illnesses that will stay forever, there are ways to manage their symptoms so that they don’t rule people's lives.
Return to our Mental Health section for more information and help