Presumptions & Assumptions About Mental Health.

There is a growing misconception and misinformation about mental health illness. Most people think or believe a diagnosis of mental health problem especially psychosis is a life sentence to misery. However this is not always the case. People with mental health problem can thrive with the right support. 

I was told by a friend recently “I did not know you have mental illness” My answer was Yes I do and I take my medication religiously, and we all have mental health needs, is the degree and severity that differs. Most people expect you to exhibit  bizarre and abnormal behaviour to align with the stereotypes of the public perception of someone with mental health needs. The media also purports a very negative image about people with mental health issues. There are millions of people living with psychosis and other mental health needs but live a fulfilling and productive life. 

There are a lot of high functioning people living with mental health issues including Lady Gaga, Stephen Fry, Late Nobel Laureate John Nash, Demi Lovato, Clarke Carlisle, Professor Elyn Saks. Mental health needs does not turn you to be a murderer or monster of ingratitude in life, is the society who perpetrate  and fan the embers of stigma as well as the media promoting negativity bias by headlining horrible and horrendous stories about people with mental health issues who in most cases due to underlying substance misuse carry out unpalatable acts.