“MYTHBUSTERS”: THE TRUTHS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
By Kermit F. Klaerner
One definition of a myth is “a belief or a subject of belief whose truth or reality is accepted uncritically” (The Random House College Dictionary, 1980). In their 1991 edition, Random House further defines myth as a “belief or set of beliefs, often unproven or false, that have accrued around a person, phenomenon, or institution”; and one might add around a misunderstood illness or disorder.
Among myths that were quoted endlessly to me as a child, mostly in jest, were the following: 1) a watched pot never boils, 2) step on a crack; break your mother’s back, 3) there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, 4) see a penny; pick it up; all day you’ll have good luck, 5) the bird that sings before breakfast gets caught by the hawk, plus many more.
Some of these myths expand through the years. For instance, “See a penny; pick it up” has had the stipulation added that it must be found heads up or it will bring bad luck.
The following myths also exist in the arena of mental health/mental illness, and these beliefs are still accepted as true by a large segment of our society.
ALL PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA ARE DANGEROUS! This is a commonly held belief among persons who do not understand the ramifications of this mental disorder and therefore fear it. Statistics show that approximately one percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lifetimes. Based on a population of 110,000 persons in the city of Abilene, there are approximately 1,100 persons in the city who are schizophrenic. If this is true, and all these persons are dangerous, then Abilene is not a safe place in which to live. But it’s not true; only the statistics are true!
The reason people believe that person with schizophrenia are dangerous is because of the sensationalism that some media places on events surrounding a person with schizophrenia who commits a crime. In most instances, the crime occurred because the individual was not on prescribed medications, possibly because the medications were too costly, or was not under professional care. Following this line of reasoning, if a person with diabetes assaults another individual, then we must assume that all persons with diabetes will commit assault and battery.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE DEPRESSION ARE WEAK! This myth if often perpetuated by well-meaning church-goers who feel that if persons with depression had “enough faith,” they could overcome their depression. Again, if one accepts this line of thinking, then persons with cancer should be able to cure their diseases too. Miracles do occur, but most miracles occur to magnify God, and they are an exception to the rule, rather than the rule. Persons with depression are not weak; they have an illness that requires professional treatment!
MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE UNTREATABLE! Most persons with mental illnesses can lead a productive life, if they seek professional help and follow the prescribed plan. Unfortunately, the results are not instantaneous, and different medicines react differently among those taking them. Patience is one of the most important elements of treatment—it takes time to find the right medication and the most effective counseling.
The television show “Mythbusters” attempts to prove/disprove common beliefs that are held by members of our society. Their tests show that what many hold as facts are indeed only fiction. The same is true with myths about mental illnesses. Test the truth or falsehood of these myths by looking at the latest facts and statistics. Persons who have mental illnesses are just that—persons with mental illnesses!
Upset with Mom? No use stepping on a crack. It won’t work!
Kermit F. Klaerner is the executive director of the Mental Health Association in Abilene. Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com. Need help? Call the Hope Line (325) 673-2300.