Five Myths About Mental Illness

Myth No.1:

Mental Illness is rare on any campus.

Reality:

According to the 1992 National Comorbidity survey, about 40 million Americans between the ages of 15 end 54 had an episode of mental illness (anxiety or depression or psychotic disorder) in that year. One in three Americans between ages 15 end 54 has had a mental illness. Right now, there are people who are depressed, manic, having panic attacks or slipping into psychosis among our students, faculty and staff.

Myth No.2:

People with Mental Illness are Violent.

Reality:

Only one in ten people with mental illness commit a violent act in a year compared to one in 4 for people who abuse alcohol.

Myth No. 3:

Someone who is mentally ill is just weak, and can "tough out of it," and choose to be better if they want to.

Reality:

People with mental illness can play a big part in their own recovery. But it is often hard work, and takes time. No one chooses to be depressed, or so anxious that they can not breath. Physical and biochemical changes in the brain can make it difficult to recover without medication and treatment. Many people are very good at hiding their depression or their anxiety, and "making the best of it"---but that doesn't mean that they should be forced to live with their pain.

Myth No.4:

Mental Illness is Incurable.

Reality:

There are effective medications and counseling techniques for most common mental illness. The treatment success rates for first episodes of schizophrenia, depression and bipolar range from 60 -- 80 percent (National Alliance for Mentally Ill).

Myth No. 5:

People with mental illness are not intelligent, and should not be in college.

Reality:

People with mental illness generally have normal intelligence. Symptoms may interfere with academic work.

Refer all students who are distressed to DABCC Counseling Services, Room 117, 527-7548.