Tips from ODSW February 2016: Caregiver's Guide to Psychosis | Page 24

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF SELF-GUILT AND ACCEPTANCE Here are some misconceptions in society about mental illness: “Taking medication displays the inability to function without chemicals” “People who are mentally ill are dangerous and scary” “Mental illnesses are due to inadequate parenting” “A child has mental illness to pay the debts for his/her parents’ wrong doing” But remember, these stigmas come about because the public do not know what mental illnesses are truly about. Therefore take strength and correct others with love, in letting them know that mental illness is a biological illness which is treatable and not self-induced. “Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but the stigma and bias shame us all.” – Bill Clinton 24