mental health myths and facts

Mental Health myths and facts Quizand a discussion on stigma and discrimination

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QUIZ

Question 1

People with mental health issues should be isolated from the community

Myth

Fact

Right!

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Most people with a mental illness recover quickly and do not need hospital care. Others may have short admissions to hospital for treatment. Only a very small number of people with mental illness (less than 1 in 1000) need hospital care. Improvements in treatment over recent decades mean that most people live in their communities, and there is no need for the confinement and isolation that was commonly used in the past.

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Question 2

Most people with a mental health issue are receiving treatment

Myth

Fact

Right!

Only 1 in 5 people with a mental health issue seeks treatment.

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Question 3

People with mental health issues are more dangerous than people without mental health issues.

Myth

Fact

Right!

This powerful myth has been fed by the media and this false perception underlies some of the most damaging stereotypes for people with mental illness. People with a mental illness are seldom dangerous. Even people with the most severe mental illness, whose symptoms may cause them to act in bizarre or unusual ways, are rarely dangerous. They are much more likely to be the victims of violence and crime than the perpetrators.

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QUIZ

Question 4

People are born with mental health issues - it's biological.

Fact

Myth

Right...sort of!

A vulnerability to some mental illnesses, such as bipolar mood disorder, can run in families. But other people develop mental illness with no family history. Many factors contribute to the onset of a mental illness. These may include stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, unemployment, social isolation, a major physical illness, physical and sexual abuse, or disability. Our understanding of the causes of mental illness is growing.

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QUIZ

Question 5

Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness

Myth

Fact

Right!

A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, social and environmental factors. Seeking and accepting help is a sign of resilience and strength.

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Question 5

Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues do not affect children or adolescents. Any problems they have are just a part of growing up.

Myth

Fact

Right!

Children and adolescents can develop mental health issues. One in ten children or adolescents has a disorder severe enough to cause impairment.

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Question 5

Mental illness is incurable and lifelong

Myth

Fact

Right!

With the right kind of help, treated appropriately and early, most people experience recovery. For others, mental illness may recur throughout their lives and require ongoing treatment. This is the same as many physical illnesses and like these other long-term health conditions, mental illness can be managed so that individuals live life to the fullest.

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a discussion on stigma and discrimination

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"Stigma was expected to [decrease] with increased knowledge of mental illness, but just the opposite has occured...knowledge of mental illness appears...insufficient to [decrease] stigma" - David Satcher, US Surgeon General. Myths about mental health are often used to justify negative feelings about people with mental healh issues, creating a stigma. As a result, many people who would benefit from mental health services do not seek assistance.

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"Stigma is a mark of shame, disgrace or disapproval which results in an individual being rejected, discriminated agains, and exclused from participating in a number of different areas of society" - World Health Organisation, 2001Effects of stigma include: feelings of shame, hopelessness and isolation; reluctance to ask for help or get support/treatment; lack of understanding from family and friends; fewer opportunities for employment or social interaction; bullying, physical violence or harrassment; and self doubt.

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Perceptions the person is 'weak, not sick'

Person's feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment

Belief that the person is responsible and can control their mental health issue

Perceptions the person is dangerous

People distancing themselves from the person

Person's relecutance to disclose diagnosis due to a fear of discrimination and harrassment

Common elements of stigma

how you can help fight stigma:

• Educate yourself about mental illness. Having the facts can help you challenge the misinformation that leads to stigma.
• Use recovery-orientated practice.
• Be aware of words. Don't reduce people to a diagnosis. Instead of "a schizophrenic," say "a person with schizophrenia." Correct people who use hurtful language to describe people with mental illness, such as "psycho" or "crazy."

• Support those with mental health issues. Treat them with respect. Help them find jobs or housing. Encourage them to get or stick with support/treatment that works for them.

Sources for this quiz: Mental Health Foundation Australia SA Health