Myth:

Psychiatric disorders are not true medical illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. People who have a mental illness are just “crazy”.

Fact:

Brain disorders, like heart disease and diabetes, are legitimate medical illnesses. Research shows there are genetic and biological causes for psychiatric disorders, and they can be treated effectively.

Myth:

Depression is a normal part of the aging process.

Fact:

It is not normal for older adults to be depressed. Signs of depression in older people include loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances and lethargy. Depression in the elderly is often undiagnosed, and it is important for seniors and their families to recognize the problem and seek professional help.

Myth:

Addiction is a lifestyle choice and shows a lack of willpower. People with a substance abuse problem are morally "weak" or “bad”.

Fact:

Addiction is a disease that generally results from changes in brain chemistry. It has nothing to do with being a “bad” person. If you or someone you care about suffers from a mental illness – seek help.

Myth:

You can always tell when someone is experiencing a mental illness.

Fact:

Not all people who look or act differently are mentally ill. Some people who exhibit eccentric behavior and mannerisms do so as a matter of choice and not because of mental illness. If you or someone you care about suffers from a mental illness, talk to your Doctor.

Myth:

Workaholics should slow down or they’ll get sick.

Fact:

Research indicates many workaholics are very satisfied with their lives, working long hours for a cause greater than themselves. Such people tend to have a particularly strong sense of well being. The important point is to evaluate whether you feel your work is “taking over” or whether you have adequate balance in other areas of your life. Should you have a concern about someone you care about, talk to your Doctor.

Myth:

Only unpleasant situations are stressful.

Fact:

It is important to note that even happy events (going on vacation, getting married, starting a new job) can be as stressful as the concerns around meeting deadlines, increased job responsibilities, employment security and family pressures. Whether situations are pleasant or unpleasant, they are may be seen as the major stressors in our lives.

Myth:

People who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to help.

Fact:

Both young people and adults who are depressed may need professional treatment. A physician can prescribe medication to help relieve the symptoms of depression. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, cope with problems or loss, change behaviours, or handle relationships. For many people, a combination of medication and psychological therapy is beneficial.

Myth:

It is normal for teens to be moody; teens don’t suffer from “real depression”.

Fact:

Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic, or economic group. About 5 – 8 % of children are depressed at any one time.

Myth:

People with mental illness are violent and dangerous.

Fact:

The truth is that, as a group, people with mental illness are no more violent than any other group. In fact, they are far more likely to be the victim of violence than to be violent themselves.

Myth:

Mental illness is a single rare disorder.

Fact:

Mental illness is not a single disease but a broad classification for many disorders. Anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders and organic brain disorders can cause misery, tears and missed opportunities for thousands of Canadians.

Myth:

Mental illness is a sign of personal weakness or lack of will power.

Fact:

Having a mental illness has nothing to do with being weak or lacking in will power. NO ONE chooses to be ill. People with a mental illness cannot “snap out of it” or get better by trying harder.

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