Countering Mental Illness Stigma

Before discussing the behaviors, you should pay attention to when interacting with others, it is important to address a common misperception that those who commit targeted violence are mentally ill. Persons with mental illness are often subject to stigma, or negative views often based on inaccurate understandings or assumptions. Stigma can manifest in public attitudes, institutional policy or culture, or in one’s attitudes towards oneself.   

A common false belief is that persons with mental illnesses are violent and dangerous. Most individuals with mental illnesses, including those with serious mental illnesses, never engage in violence. And persons with mental illnesses account for a relatively small percentage of violence occurring within communities. Research examining the prevalence of violence amongst those diagnosed with mental illness generally indicates that other factors, including antisocial thinking patterns, substance use, and environmental factors (e.g., living in high crime communities) are more significant determinants of future violent conduct (Stuart, 2003). These same factors are also associated with violent conduct in the general population. In fact, persons with mental illness who are receiving appropriate treatment have no more risk of violence than the general population (Skeem & Mulvey, 2020). There is some additional complexity for some sub-groups.  For example, some persons, such as those with untreated personality disorders and substance dependence, may have higher rates of violence compared with the general population. But the tendency to equate mental illness with violence is an inaccurate and harmful assumption and a reflection of public stigma. 

This training aims to counter—not promote—stigma toward mental illness. When considering possible associations between mental illness and violent behavior in a given person, it is important not to exaggerate or over-generalize in ways that lend support to stigma against persons with mental illness. Rather, we are asking individuals to consider specific behaviors, risk factors, or stressors someone might be experiencing as indicators for future violence, not whether someone has been diagnosed with mental illness or believed to be mentally ill. Focusing only on mental illness as a precursor to targeted violence may increase the risk of overlooking someone who is in need of intervention. It may also prevent others from seeking or receiving needed assistance for fear of being labeled mentally ill.  

For more information, see, “Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness” and, “Violence and Mental Illness.”