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MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT MENTAL DISORDERS (II)Although I cannot possibly cover all the myths about mental disorders, I have decided that one article just isn't enough. It is important for people to understand that those with mental illnesses are also human, and can live relatively normal lives for the most part. Along with education, society needs to learn how to effectively support those with mental disorders, and provide them with opportunities to succeed in life. MYTH: People who are depressed all the time need to snap out of it. FACT: Clinical Depression is completely different than a depression brought on by things going wrong. Both deserve care and support, but Clinical Depression is an illness which is not brought on by just circumstances. In many cases, there is no significant change in the sufferer's life that would normally trigger depression. NMH: You can tell if someone has a mood disorder by looking at them. FACT: Diagnosis of a mood disorder is a difficult task that should be left to qualified physicians. Stereotyping is a poor substitute for a professional assessment. MYTH: All mental illnesses involve psychotic episodes. FACT: This myth supports the theory that the mentally ill are out of touch with reality. Also, it makes illnesses like mood, anxiety, or eating disorders seem like character flaws. All of them are medical disorders, and should be taken seriously and treated. MYTH: Recovered mental patients aren't suitable for important or responsible job positions. FACT: People with mental illnesses are individuals, just like any other person. Their career potential should be based on talents, skills, education, abilities, and experience. MYTH: People commit suicide because of failing an exam, being dumped by a partner, not getting a particular job, etc. FACT: Society points its finger at the obvious. Untreated depression is the primary cause of suicide, and is not necessarily due to one incident. It is impossible for a person to see the world clearly when they are under the influence of a very powerful illness. MYTH: Manic-depression can be fun when you're high. FACT: Movies such as "Mad Love" with Drew Barxymore and "Mr. Jones" with Richard Gere exploit bipolar characters for the so called fun of their manic highs. In reality, mania hurts those you love because the high causes you to care more about the thrills than about them. It also hurts the sufferer, because when they wind down, they get to see the destruction they have caused, and try in vain to repair it.
BY RICHARD SUTPHEN
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2001 - 2008
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