For individuals with mental illness, however, work has been a difficult and often unattainable goal. Even today, after the strong advancements in medical and psychiatric research, myth and misunderstanding about mental illness still abounds. The media, our culture, even the medical profession still mix myths and facts. One thing is clear, the prevalence of misconceptions and the accompanying attitudes reduce or eliminate the chances of people recovering from mental illness to gain and sustain employment. Listed below are some of the most harmful, the most off-base, and the most common myths, and of course, the truth.
Mental illness is a matter of choice.
Mental illness may be acquired through many things, but choice is not one of them. Mental illness is a sign of weakness. Clinical research strongly suggests that in general mental illness is the consequence of chemical imbalances in the brain. Strength may offer some protection but it does not necessarily prevent mental illness. Mentally ill people cannot work.