Stigma & Mental Illness

Mental Illness Mental illness is a disturbance in thoughts and emotions that decreases a person’s capacity to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Some examples are Schizophrenia, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder.

Stigma Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. Stigma refers to any attribute, trait, or disorder that causes a person to be labeled as unacceptably different from “normal” people. When individuals have mental illnesses, they have a double burden. They have to cope with their disorders, and deal with people’s negative attitudes.

Fact or Fiction A person who has one or two parents with mental illness is more likely to develop mental illness.

True. Some mental illnesses can be passed down by your parents.

Fact or Fiction Mental illness is contagious.

False. Mental illness is not contagious.

Fact or Fiction Mental illness can be cured if the person is determined.

False. Mental illness is associated with chemical imbalances in the brain and requires a comprehensive treatment plan.

Fact or Fiction People with mental illness never get better.

False. With the right kind of help, many people with a mental illness do recover and go on to lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives. While the illness may not go away, the symptoms associated with it can be controlled. Medication, counseling and rehabilitation are treatment options that can help people recover from mental illness.

Fact or Fiction People with mental illness tend to be violent.

False. People who experience a mental illness sometimes behave differently from people who do not. While some of their behaviours may seem bizarre, people with mental illness are not more violent than the rest of the population.

Fact or Fiction All homeless people are mentally ill.

False. Although studies have shown between 17 and 70 per cent of people who are homeless have mental illnesses, not everyone who is homeless has a mental illness.

Fact or Fiction Developmental disabilities are a form of mental illness.

False. Mental illness is often confused with developmental disabilities, even though the two conditions are quite different. Mental illness does not affect an individual’s intellectual capacity, but developmental disabilities do. People with developmental disabilities are more susceptible to developing mental illness.

Fact or Fiction People who are poor are more likely to have mental illness than people who are not.

False. Money is not a factor in rates of mental health problems. However, people with lower incomes experience higher rates of depression. People who live with major mental illnesses often end up in lower social classes because their illness may interfere with their ability to hold a job.

Mental Illness Statistics Each year, over Albertans (16% of the population) receive at least one mental health service from a doctor. 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer a mental disorder in their lives. Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common. Only 43% of depressed adults seek care from a health professional.