Challenging the myths about mental illness can be a good way to get people thinking and talking...
1 Myth: People with mental illness can’t work.
Fact: Chances are, you probably work with someone with mental illness
2 Myth: Mental health problems are very rare
Fact: Mental health problems affect one in four people
3 Myth: People with mental illness never recover
Fact: People with mental illness can and do recover.
4 Myth: People with mental health problems are different from normal people:
Fact: We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health.
5 Myth: After experiencing a mental health problem, people are weaker.
Fact: Many people who have gone through this actually feel stronger
6 Myth: People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: People with mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violence
7 Myth: It’s best to leave people alone if they develop a mental health problem.
Fact: Most people with mental health problems want to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues, it can be a great help in their recovery.
8 Myth: I don't know anyone with a mental illness
Fact: Someone you know or love has experienced a mental illness
9 Myth: People aren’t discriminated against because of mental health problems
Fact: Nine out of ten people with mental health problems experience stigma and discrimination.
10 Myth: People who suffer from mental illness are not suitable as friends.
Fact: People who struggle with depression, as I do, often possess deep reserves of loyalty, love and kindness that would remain 'untapped' if it weren't for our dear friends.
Thank you for reading this and I do hope you will start a conversation with family and friends just by asking ' How do you feel today?'
10 comments:
Thanks for sharing this list...a great reminder about the reality of living with mental illness.
Such a great list and important to share with others. Great idea for a 10 on the 10th post to get some exposure for mental illness. Thanks for sharing such important information!
a list we should all read, thanks for sharing x
i made my personal pledge along time ago and can support wholeheartedly the list of 10. thanx for sharing and i hope and pray your ongoing story, like mine, is filled with positive and life affirming experiences,
Jo xxx
oh by the way ps we make GREAT friends xxxxx
Thank you for sharing your list and wholeheartedly agree that there are so many myths around mental illness that need to be shattered.
This is a great list, Irene, and a good way to spread the word on a subject that is often misunderstood.
What a great post. It is a wonderful thing to get people to think about. I used to volunteer with a women's MICA program (mentally ill and chemically addicted), but now it is something I don't really think about on a regular basis. Thank you so much for the reminder. :)
This is a great post! Such an important topic to be reminded of and to discuss. Thankyou for bringing it to our attention. All the best to you Irene! :)
Such a great list! Thanks for sharing!
and yes: I DO know someone with mental health problems!
Great post! All the points are very true especially people with mental illness making great friends! See you sunday!
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