Myths About Mental Illness – Mass Appeal

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) – There are so many myths that come along with the stigma of mental illness. Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, Author, Family Therapist and Health and Wellness Executive visited the show to break the stigma surrounding mental health and shed light on the myths.

Mental illness is common:

• 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental illness
• At least 1 in 10 Americans live with depression
• At least 16% of adults in the United States have an addiction
• Depression is the number 1 disability worldwide
  • 28% of disability is caused by mental illness
  • 14% of disability is caused by heart disease
  • 13% of disability is caused by cancer
• Most mental illnesses respond well to treatment
• Only 33% of those who could benefit seek treatment, most likely due to the stigma

What can we do to combat the myths and stigma?

• BREAK THE SILENCE!!!
• Talk about mental illness the same way you do other illnesses
• Open discussions in community and workplace
• Encourage friends and family to seek help from professional care (therapist/physician)
• Be supportive!

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/health/myths-about-mental-illness_20180314113759798/1043772330