Stigma
Negative attitudes about individuals with psychiatric and substance use disorders are unfortunately commonplace. The experience of this stigma — on individual and structural levels — adds another layer of suffering on top of the disorders themselves. Stigma about psychiatric disorders is a serious barrier to diagnosis and treatment, often with devastating consequences. Challenging common misconceptions and stereotypes, and ensuring that our use of language is respectful will encourage individuals to seek help and access the treatment that they deserve.
Misconception:
Mental health problems are not real problems like cancer, arthritis or diabetes
Truth:
Psychiatric and substance use disorders are medical conditions that are experienced by 1 in 3 of us at some point in our lives. They are more severe and persistent than temporary emotions.
Misconception:
Mental health problems are caused by one specific thing (e.g., bad parenting, society, one gene, etc.)
Truth:
Psychiatric and substances use disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. They cannot (and should not) be blamed on one factor. Psychiatric and substances use disorders runs in families, but this does not mean parents are to blame. Genetic risk factors shared by parents and children may partly explain the family resemblance. The genetics of mental illness is very complicated. There is no single gene for depression, anxiety, or any other common mental health problem. Rather, they are affected by a combination of thousands of genetic variants, each with small effects along with environmental factors. Genetic and environmental factors also affect how we cope with traumatic events or stress. Some people have a genetic background that makes them more resilient and they can cope easily with major traumatic events, such as life-threatening accidents or loss of a loved one. Others have genetic and environmental risk factors that make them more vulnerable to trauma. So, a minor stressful event may push them over the edge.
Misconception:
Mental illness is a sign of personal weakness.
Truth:
Living day to day with a psychiatric disorders involves tremendous resilience and strength, so should never be viewed as a sign of weakness.
Misconception:
Psychiatric and substance use disorders are something you will be stuck with for life
Truth:
Help is available and many people do recover. For example, about 60% of people with anxiety disorders do well with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and 73% of them stay well in the long term (Kodal et al.).