False, often outdated ideas about the nature of mental disorders encourage many of us to treat ill people with prejudice, avoid them and feel shame and embarrassment in their presence. Often, people with mental disorders become victims of violence and discrimination.

False representation number 1: people with mental disorders are dangerous and violent

Most people with mental disorders are not more violent and dangerous than any mentally healthy person. It is proved that a young mentally healthy unemployed managed 18 to 25 years, especially if he is under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose the greatest danger in society. Mentally ill (if you exclude patients with alcoholism and drug addiction) commit less than 2% of all violent crimes. The absolute majority of violence is committed by mentally healthy people.

In the environment of almost every person, there are people who suffer from this or that mental disorder, and most of us do not notice the manifestations of the disease.

False representation number 2 – people with mental disorders are unpredictable

There is a small percentage of diseases in which human behavior can really turn out to be unpredictable. This includes people suffering from severe psychoses (especially hallucinations and delirium), people with antisocial personality disorder, people who suffer from alcohol and drug dependence.

However, the overwhelming majority of people with mental disorders retain the ability to adequately perceive the events and surrounding people. They will behave in any situation as well as any healthy person, that is, within the framework of the accepted behavior.

False representation number 3 – people with mental disorders have fewer rights

Despite any, even the most severe physical or mental illness that has befallen a person, he remains a Human. He retains all the same inalienable rights to life, a dignified existence, respectful attitude, freedom of expression, etc., as any healthy person.

There are no criteria for separating or diminishing the rights of people with mental disorders from the rights of other people.

False presentation number 4 – people with mental disorders are disabled

Most people with mental disorders continue to live a normal life, raise children, observe established rules of communication and life in society, take responsibility for themselves and their loved ones and work at a level corresponding to their knowledge and experience. Like any healthy person, they can be excellent and responsible employees and do their job well. There are often examples where people with serious psychiatric problems are working in responsible work, and are supported by colleagues who know about the disease. Among people suffering from mental disorders, there are doctors, teachers, politicians, students, schoolchildren, entrepreneurs, engineers.