We asked Dr. Rodrigo for the five mental illness myths he would like to see quashed in Bermuda.

[bul] Mental illnesses are not treatable. All illnesses, whether they are mental or physical or both, can be cared for and treated.

[bul] People who are mentally ill cannot lead useful and productive lives. Again, as with other illnesses, most people with a mental illness are able to live a normal life. Some may be more dependent than others. This is true for many chronic physical illnesses too.

[bul] People who are mentally ill are dangerous. While some who are mentally ill may become a danger to themselves and/or to others, more often than not, they are victims of violence from those who are “normal”.

[bul] Mentally ill are weak people. All of us are vulnerable to mental illness. It’s not a sign of mental weakness. Many successful and prominent people have suffered from mental illness, but recovered to go back to their work and life.

[bul] Medicines used to treat some of the mental illnesses are toxic and it is best to use only psychological interventions. While all drugs have side effects, these medicines can be used safely and therapeutically. In most illnesses, recent research shows that a combination of pharmacological and psychological interventions provide the best results.

MYTHS