Misconception of mental illness

FOR PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

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 OF MENTAL 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 › www › topics › myt