Does Mental Illness Make You Dangerous? Debunking the Fear with Facts and Compassion
The Fear That Fuels Stigma "They just snapped." "You never know what someone with mental issues is capable of." These are the types of statements that echo across newsrooms and social media whenever tragedy strikes and mental illness is mentioned. It’s a damaging narrative—one that links mental illness with danger, violence, and unpredictability. But is there any truth to it? The idea that mental illness makes someone dangerous has been deeply ingrained in public perception, often driven by sensationalized media coverage and a lack of mental health education . Unfortunately, this belief doesn't just misinform—it actively harms. It increases stigma , discourages people from seeking help, and isolates those already struggling. We’ll explore the science and facts behind this common fear, dismantle harmful myths , and show how understanding—not fear—is the key to healing our communities. 1. The Origins of the Myth: Mental Illness and Violence in Popular Cultur...