The greatest fallacy about mental illness is that people who are mentally ill can control it. Mentally ill people cannot simply choose to be well. Mental illness is a disease like any other physical illness. Mentally healthy people are able to control their emotions and responses. Mentally ill people usually do not have this control. Knowing mental illness is a disease helps you work with mentally ill clients.
Mental health is important to physical health. The ability of mentally healthy people to reduce stress can help prevent some physical illnesses. It can help them cope if illness or disability occur. Mental health can help protect and improve physical health. The reverse is also true. Physical illness or disability can cause or worsen mental illness. The stress these conditions create takes a toll on mental health.