MYTH 1: MENTALLY DISABLED PERSONS CAN NEVER BE NORMAL.
FACT: Mental health difficulties are often temporary in nature. Often the dramatization of normal reactions to stress and trauma as "abnormal" is both unfair and unrealistic. People define themselves by what others think and when the "experts" provide significant labels, they add to the problem, not the solution.
MYTH 2: IF THOSE WITH PHYSICAL HANDICAPS CAN COPE ON THEIR OWN, PEOPLE RECOVERING FROM MENTAL DISABILITIES SHOULD, TOO.
FACT: Most people who have been through a disabling incident need help to return to normal functioning. Physical therapy often fills this role after a physical illness. Similarly, following a mental disability, social rehabilitation is usually needed.
MYTH 3: MENTALLY DISABLED PEOPLE ARE DANGEROUS.
FACT: People who have come through a serious emotional and mental trauma and have returned to the community are apt, if anything, to be anxious, timid and passive. They rarely present a danger to the public.
MYTH 4: BUT RECOVERED MENTAL PATIENTS COULD GO BESERK AT ANY TIME.
FACT: Most people who have mental problems never went "beserk" in the first place. They are more likely to be depressed and withdrawn than wild and aggressive. Relapses tend to develop gradually as the stress of life erodes coping skills. People are taught to recognize their own patterns and seek help, and friends and family can be alert to needed support.
MYTH 5: RECOVERED MENTAL PATIENTS ARE BOUND TO MAKE SECOND-RATE EMPLOYEES.
FACT: Many people recovering from mental disorders make excellent employees. In fact, employers frequently report that they out perform other workers in such areas as attendance and punctuality and are about equal in motivation, quality of work and job tenure.
MYTH 6: RECOVERED MENTAL PATIENTS MAY BE ABLE TO WORK SUCCESSFULLY AT LOW-LEVEL JOBS BUT THEY AREN'T SUITED FOR REALLY IMPORTANT OR RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS.
FACT: As individuals, their career potentials depend on their particular talents, abilities and experiences, as well as motivation. A number of political leaders, artists and others have achieved greatness despite a mental problem.
MYTH 7: THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP.
FACT: They way we act toward people can make all the difference in their lives. When well functioning, hard working people with mental health problems are refused employment, housing or other opportunities because of false beliefs or stereotypes, we contribute to the problem, not the solution. We shape our own self esteem by the people around us. If you give us responsibility, we will feel responsible.
MYTHS OF MENTAL RETARDATION
MYTH 1: MENTAL RETARDATION IS THE SAME AS MENTAL "ILLNESS."
FACT: Mental retardation means that a person develops mentally at a below average rate. He or she may have difficulty in learning and social adjustment, but can learn. With the appropriate intervention and education, he or she can lead a satisfying and productive life in the community.
MYTH 2: MENTAL RETARDATION IS A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
FACT: Mental retardation is not a disease and is certainly not contagious. It is a condition which affects an individual because of some change or damage with the developing brain and neurological system.
MYTH 3: PERSONS WHO ARE SEVERELY AND PROFOUNDLY MENTALLY RETARDED MUST BE LOCKED AWAY IN INSTITUTIONS FOR THEIR OWN AND SOCIETY'S SAFETY.
FACT: Systematic training efforts have proven that most people with severe and profound mental retardation can learn to at least care for their basic needs. Many can perform useful work with support and can otherwise adapt to normal patterns of life. It has been proven that the most effective environment for everyone to learn and develop is one which is in the community and which offers a family-like atmosphere of caring and nurturing.
MYTH 4: EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING WILL NOT HELP PERSONS WHO ARE MENTALLY RETARDED.
FACT: Most persons with mental retardation can learn, although at a slower rate, and are capable of living in the community with little or no support services. Early intervention is a major emphasis since it is proven that the sooner a person is diagnosed as having mental retardation and appropriate programming is started, the more productive and capable he or she will be for a meaningful life in the community. Vocational programs offer a variety of services to prepare individuals for work. They may learn a trade or receive supported employment help to find a job in a competitive work environment.
MYTH 5; WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES MENTAL RETARDATION AND IT CANNOT BE PREVENTED.
FACT: Mental retardation can be caused by any condition which impairs development of the brain during birth or in early childhood. More than 250 causes have been discovered but they account for only one-fourth of the causes of mental retardation. The most well-known are: Rubella or German measles in the pregnant woman, meningitis, toxoplasmosis, RH factor and chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Mental retardation can be prevented in some cases. Some prevention strategies include:
» Access to good prenatal and
postnatal care for mother and child.
» Improved nutrition in pregnant women and infants.
» Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.
» Newborn screening, such as PKU, to detect disorders like
hypothyroidism.
» Routine screening and immunizations of mothers to prevent
RH blood factor.
» Use of child seats and seat belts to prevent head injuries.
» Screening for lead poisoning for all children under age 5.
People with mental retardation are PEOPLE FIRST. They have the same needs and desires as everyone else. Treat them as individuals. Recognize their ABILITIES and not their disabilities.
