Basic Etiquette:
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
The terms mental illness and psychiatric disability are essentially interchangeable. Some groups and individuals prefer one term to the other, but in general both terms are considered acceptable. A possible alternative is to describe a person as someone who has “mental health issues”.
 | Do not assume that people with psychiatric disabilities are more likely to
be violent than people without psychiatric disabilities; this is a myth. |
| The wide range of behaviors associated with mental illness vary from
passivity to disruptiveness. |
| When the illness is active, the individual may or may not be at risk of
harming him or herself, or others. |
| People with mental illness do not have mental retardation; however, some
people who have mental retardation also have mental illness. Do not assume
that people with psychiatric disabilities also have cognitive disabilities or
are less intelligent than the general population. In fact, many people with
mental illness have above-average intelligence. |
| Do not assume that people with psychiatric disabilities necessarily need
any extra assistance or different treatment. |
| Treat people with psychiatric disabilities as individuals. Do not make
assumptions based on experiences you have had with other people with
psychiatric disabilities. |
| Do not assume that all people with psychiatric disabilities take or should
take medication. |
| Do not assume that people with psychiatric disabilities are not capable of
working in a wide variety of jobs that require a wide range of skills and
abilities. |
| Do not assume that people with psychiatric disabilities do not know what
is best for them, or have poor judgment. |
| 9) If someone with a psychiatric disability gets upset, ask calmly if
there is anything you can do to help and then respect their wishes. |
| Do not assume that a person with a psychiatric disability is unable to cope with stress. |