Survey Finds Many
Americans
Misunderstand Mental Illness
Especially true for those with schizophrenia
October 17, 2003
Do you know someone with a mental illness? You probably do. One in five
Americans experiences a mental illness each year.
Mental illness knows no age limits, economic status, race, creed or color.
But many people with mental health needs do not receive the care, support or
respect they deserve. Instead of compassion and acceptance, many are faced with
misunderstanding, discrimination and hostility.
This is especially true for the 2.2 million Americans who are
living with schizophrenia and
for their families.
A recent national survey by the National Mental Health Association revealed
that misconceptions strongly influence how
the general public views schizophrenia. The survey found only 14 percent of
the general public believes that people with schizophrenia can hold jobs and
raise families. Further, only 27 percent of the general public believes that
schizophrenia is treatable. In turn, this stigma impacts the ability of people
with schizophrenia to access the treatments and services they need, such as:
- A place to live: Three-fourths (74 percent) of people with
schizophrenia report having had difficulty finding a place to live.
- Community services: Less than half (48 percent) of people with
schizophrenia and only one-third (35 percent) of caregivers think that adequate
services are provided for people with mental illnesses.
- Quality health insurance: Only half (52 percent) of people with
schizophrenia and one-fifth (21 percent) of caregivers agree that insurance
coverage for mental illness is as good as the coverage for physical illness.
- Improved care: Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of people with
schizophrenia said that medication side effects significantly impact their
lives.
The truth is that schizophrenia is a serious disorder that affects a person's
thoughts, feelings and actions. Someone with schizophrenia may have difficulty
distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary.
The person may be unresponsive or withdrawn and may have difficulty
expressing normal emotions in social situations. But schizophrenia is not the
same as split personality or multiple personality. The
vast majority of people with
schizophrenia are not violent and do not pose a danger to others. More
often, they are likely to be the victims of crime.
Finally, schizophrenia can
be effectively treated and many people with this illness do lead productive
and fulfilling lives. You can help eliminate the
stigma surrounding schizophrenia and
other mental illnesses.
To get all the facts, contact your local mental health association or the
National Mental Health Association at 1-800-969-NMHA or visit www.nmha.org.
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