MYTH: "Mental illnesses are not real diseases like heart disease and cancer." FACT: Many psychiatric disorders can be linked to a biological disorder. However some of these disorders may be situational and temporary, caused by extreme stress or life changes such as a death of a loved one or a divorce. MYTH: "People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions." FACT: Today, most individuals with mental illness can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of care providers, programs and/or medications. MYTH: "A person who has had mental illness can never lead a normal life." FACT: Most people with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities. Like Lincoln, they can even go on to lead more enriched and accomplished lives. MYTH: "Mentally ill persons are dangerous." FACT: The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In the cases when violence does occur, the incidence typically results from the same reasons as with the general public such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs. MYTH: "People who have recovered from mental illness can work low-level jobs but aren't suited for really important or responsible positions." FACT: People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation. MYTH: "Persons with mental illness are unpredictable." FACT: Some are impulsive and their actions unpredictable when they are actively ill. But once they have recovered, most of them are consistent in their behavior and are likely to present few surprises to those who know them. MYTH: "You can't talk to someone who has been mentally ill." FACT: Most people who have recovered from mental illness are rational and intelligent, and it is certainly possible to talk with them. Even individuals who are actively mentally ill are likely to be rational in many ways. They may suffer from certain delusions or act disturbed at times, but in calmer moments they will probably be able to discuss many things reasonably and sensibly. MYTH: "If an individual has a really bad history of mental illness there isn't much hope." FACT: That person's history is important in predicting his or her chances for recovery, but some may be ill for many years before they finally receive effective treatment or their condition improves for other reasons. Once the turnaround occurs, these individuals may remain well for the rest of their lives. MYTH: "People who have recovered from mental illness have a tough row to hoe. But there's not much that can be done about it." FACT: The way we act toward individuals who have recovered from mental illness can make all the difference in their lives. Effective treatment, hard work, and good motivation are of limited value when functioning, hard-working, well-motivated former patients are refused employment, housing, and other opportunities because of false beliefs and stereotypes. Everyone's help is needed. Here are some things you can do: Respond to recovered mental patients as individuals. Learn about the person and deal with him or her on the basis of your knowledge. Do what you can to help former mental health patients reenter society. Support their efforts to obtain housing and jobs. Don't let false statements about mental illness or mentally ill persons go unchallenged. Many people have wrong and damaging ideas on the subject but honestly believe their notions to be true. Correct information may help change their minds. Spread the word. Tell others what you have learned and urge that recovered mental patients be treated fairly. Help give them what they need most a chance.