This document discusses common misconceptions about mental illness and provides facts to counter them. It begins by defining mental health and mental illness according to the WHO. It then lists several common misconceptions such as the ideas that mental illnesses are caused by supernatural forces, that only certain types of people experience them, or that seeking help makes the conditions worse. Each misconception is followed by a concise fact-based response explaining the real causes and nature of mental illnesses. The document aims to promote understanding and combat stigma by accurately informing about these conditions.

1. PRESENTED BY
MR RAGHUNATH
NURSING OFFICERS –PAVILLION 1
NIMHANS
MISCNCEPTIONS OF MENTAL
ILLNESS

2. INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH????
WHAT IS
MENTAL ILLNESS???

3. 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."

4. 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..

5. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT
MENTAL ILLNESS

6. 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)

7. 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

8. MISCONCEPTION
“YOUNG PEOPLE AND
CHILDREN DON’T
SUFFER FROM MENTAL
HEALTH PROBLEMS.”

9. 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.

10. MISCONCEPTION:
“PEOPLE WHO NEED
PSYCHIATRIC CARE SHOULD
BE LOCKED AWAY IN
INSTITUTIONS AND TREATED
LIFE LONG.”

11. FACT:
 Nat all today, most
people can lead
productive lives within
their communities
thanks to a variety of
support programs,
and/or medications.

12. MISCONCEPTION:
“A PERSON WHO
HAS HAD A MENTAL
ILLNESS CAN
NEVER BE
NORMAL.”

13. FACT
People with mental illnesses can,
and do, recover to resume normal
activities

14. MISCONCEPTION
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH
PROBLEMS ARE VIOLENT AND
UNPREDICTABLE.PEOPLE WITH MENTAL
HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE SCARY AND
VIOLENT, MENTALLY ILL PERSONS ARE
DANGEROUS.

15. 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.

16. MISCONCEPTION
“PEOPLE WITH MENTAL
ILLNESSES CAN WORK LOW-
LEVEL JOBS BUT AREN’T
SUITED FOR REALLY
IMPORTANT OR
RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS.”

17. FACT
People with mental illnesses, like everyone else,
have the potential to work at any level depending
on their own abilities, experience and motivation

18. MISCONCEPTION
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS,
EVEN THOSE WHO ARE MANAGING THEIR
MENTAL ILLNESS, CANNOT TOLERATE THE
STRESS OF HOLDING DOWN A JOB.

19. 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

20. MISCONCEPTION
PERSONALITY WEAKNESS OR
CHARACTER FLAWS CAUSE MENTAL
HEALTH PROBLEMS..

21. 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

22. MISCONCEPTION
THERAPY AND SELF-HELP ARE A
WASTE OF TIME.

23. 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.

24. MISCONCEPTION
I CAN'T DO ANYTHING FOR A PERSON
WITH A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM.

25. 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

26. MISCONCEPTION
PREVENTION DOESN'T WORK. IT IS
IMPOSSIBLE TO PREVENT MENTAL
ILLNESSES.

27. 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

28. MISCONCEPTION
THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY
EXAGGERATES MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
TO MAKE A PROFIT

29. 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.

30. MISCONCEPTION
DRUGS ARE THE ONLY WAY TO
TREAT MENTAL HEALTH
CONDITIONS

31. 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.

32. MISCONCEPTION
PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS ARE BAD.

33. 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

34. MISCONCEPTION
SEEKING HELP FOR MENTAL ILLNESS
WILL LEAD TO BEING OSTRACIZED AND
MAKE SYMPTOMS WORSE

35. 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.

36. MISCONCEPTION
MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE CAUSED BY THE
USUAL STRESSES OF EVERYDAY LIFE
.

37. 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

38. MISCONCEPTION:
MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE CAUSED BY
POOR MOTHERING .

39. 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

40. MISCONCEPTION:
PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS SHOULD NOT
HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS THE REST OF
SOCIETY

41. FACT
A person who has a mental illness has all the
human and social rights that every other
person has.

42. MISCONCEPTION:
PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS
CANNOT BE GOOD FRIENDS

43. FACT
People who have a mental illness
can be just as good a friend as
someone who does not have a mental
illness

44. MISCONCEPTION
PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS
CANNOT ACHIEVE ANYTHING

45. 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.

46. MISCONCEPTION
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ARE
TO BLAME FOR THEIR OWN
PROBLEMS

47. 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

48. MISCONCEPTION:
MENTAL ILLNESS IS THE SAME AS
MENTAL RETARDATION.

49. 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

50. MISCONCEPTION
MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE BROUGHT ON BY
A WEAKNESS OF CHARACTER.

51. 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.

52. MISCONCEPTION
MENTAL ILLNESS CAN BE CURED BY
GEETING THE PATIENT MARRIED

53. FACT
Marriage cannot be a cure for mental illness
rather it creates more burden to the family

54. MISCONCEPTION
ONCE PEOPLE DEVELOP MENTAL ILLNESSES,
THEY WILL NEVER RECOVER.

55. 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

56. COMBATING AND OVERCOMING
MISCONCEPTIONS OFMENTAL ILLNESS

57. 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

58. 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.

59. REFERENCES
M.S Bhatiya[2015] Psychiatric Disorders-Myths And
Realities. “The Delhi Psychiatry Journal Vol-18
P231-232
www.psychology.today.com
www.teenmentalhealth.org › uploads › 2015/12
https://www.ctclearinghouse.org › customer-content
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