Myths, misunderstanding and facts about mental illness Myths, misunderstanding and negative stereotypes and attitudes surround mental illness. They result in stigma, isolation and discrimination. Yet the traditions of flowers, sympathy and support provided to people with a physical illness are often denied to those with a mental illness. When treated appropriately and early, many people recover fully. A mental illness can come and go in people's lives.
Some people have only one episode and recover completely.
For others, it recurs throughout their lives and requires on-going treatment. Though some people become disabled as a result of a chronic mental illness, many who experience even major mental illnesses manage to live full and productive lives. The causes of mental illnesses are unclear. A predisposition to some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, can run in families. Many other factors can contribute to the onset of a mental illness in people with a predisposition such as stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, child abuse, unemployment, social isolation and times of accidents and life-threatening illness.