Myth: Mental illnesses only affect the poor and impoverished.
Fact: Mental illnesses do not discriminate. They can affect anyone, at any time.
Myth: Individuals with mental illnesses cannot succeed at university.
Fact: While living with a mental illness may challenge a student’s academic performance, a variety of resources exist on campus to support student success.
Myth: A mental illness reflects a personal weakness or character flaw.
Fact: Physiological (biological) factors underlie most mental illnesses. Their onset is often triggered by a stressful environment.
Myth: Individuals with mental disorders are aggressive and violent.
Fact: Individuals with mental disorders are more likely to be the victims of violence themselves.
Myth: Medication (e.g., anti-depressants) is the only treatment for mental illnesses.
Fact: A variety of treatments are available for individuals with mental illnesses, including counselling, support groups, cognitive-behavioural therapy as well as medications, all of which can improve one’s mental wellbeing.
Myth: I cannot do anything about mental illness.
Fact: Even if you don’t have a mental illness you can make a difference by challenging yourself to ReTHINK Mental Health. You can make a difference by raising awareness of mental health and reducing the stigma of mental illness. Here are some of the ways you can start:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Challenge the vocabulary you use. Words like “crazy”, “nuts”, and “insane” only help to perpetuate the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
- Learn more about mental illnesses and share that knowledge with those around you.