Debunking Myths: Mental Illness, Intelligence, and Employment

This essay delves into the complex relationship between mental illness and employment, challenging prevalent myths and misconceptions. It begins by defining mental illness and its potential impact on an individual's thinking, behavior, and mood. The essay then addresses the common myth that individuals with mental disorders are less capable or intelligent, citing examples of historical figures with mental health conditions and research linking higher intelligence with mental illness. Furthermore, it explores the positive aspects of employing individuals with mental illness, highlighting their potential for innovation, diverse perspectives, and the benefits for companies that embrace inclusivity. The essay also discusses workplace accommodations, individual support systems, and potential barriers to employment, concluding with a call to challenge stigma and provide equal opportunities for individuals with mental health conditions. The essay utilizes various research studies and reports to support its arguments, offering a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Running head: MENTAL ILLNESS
MENTAL ILLNESS
Name of the Student:
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Author Note:

1MENTAL ILLNESS
Mental illness which is also known as the mental disorder is about the wide variety of
conditions that are related to mental health. These disorders are the ones which tend to affect the
thinking and the behavior pattern of an individual (Boyd et al., 2014). It also tends to affect the
mood of the individual. It is because of the mental condition; and it is being believed that people
suffering from a mental disorder are not good enough, competent, or liable enough to do a
particular job. The fact that the people suffering from mental disorders are not good enough for
a job is a myth which will be further discussed below.
It is a myth that is being considered that people suffering from mental disorders are t he
ones to remains demotivated. They are not considered to be intelligent or able enough to
perform their duties rightfully (Daumit et al., 2013). However, studies claims that people are
more intelligent suffers from mental illness. According to a study conducted by Braloon and
Noyes, it is being noted that Charles Darwin suffered from mental disorders. For example, it
can be said that he suffered from abdominal distress in situations which is very much distressing.
Apart from the several other illness from which Beethoven suffers, mental depression like the
bipolar depression is one of them. Michelangelo suffered from the disease known as autism.
Elbert Einstein on the ot her hand suffered from chronice illness. All these are a symptom of
mental illness in itself. Higher intelligence can bring about grades, jobs n pay which is much
higher in comparison to the other. However, people with great intelligence are also addicted to
the use of drugs (Drake & Whitley, 2014). Various studies that have been done show that
greater intellectuality is in direct relation to the mental illness along with anxiety, depression and
bipolar disorders. The research was being conducted among the 3700 members of Mensa who
are known for having the highest kind of intellectuality. The researchers found out the anxiety

2MENTAL ILLNESS
disorders are very much common the Mensa members. It is being observed that 10 per cent of
the common population tend to suffer from anxiety and mental disorder whereas the 20percent of
the mensa community tends to suffer from a mental disorder and 27 per cent of them tend to
suffer from the depression and bipolar disorder (Goodkind, 2015). The reason that is being
predicted for the higher rate of mental illness among the people with great intellectuality is their
mental overexcitability. Mental overexcitability is the higher capability of an individual to
contemplate and worry. Both contemplating and worrying are the general features of anxiety and
mood disorders. An example is that a person who is extremely intelligent can examine a fact
which is being said by the boss extensively in order to find out the other possible consequences
of the fact (Hansson , 2013). Though this is a very important aspect which helps in gaining
success when the project that is being worked on is very much difficult and requires help from
that of the experts. However, when such capability is turned towards concern and rumination, the
effect tends to become something which is not at all good. Research that is being conducted also
indicates that people with higher intellectuality tend towards being physically over-excited which
is designated by the high rate of reactions. Studies that are being conducted also indicates that
genes which the people with higher intellectuality have in themselves are the reason which leads
them to the mental illness (Henderson, Evans-Lacko & Thornicroft, 2013). People with higher
intellectuality are often the ones who tend to stay isolated which makes them more anxious and
depressed. It is being studied that people going through the autism spectrum disorder and above
the average IQ are the ones who tend to suffer more from the depression. People who are more
conscious about their health and are the people who are educated and generally like to remain
well informed are likely to get discouraged by the stigma.

3MENTAL ILLNESS
People who have mental illness tend to work more and perform better in comparison to
the people who do not have any sort of mental disorder. Studies indicate that people suffering
from some sort of mental illness tend to have a sense of pride and dignity for which they tend to
give their best in whatever they tend to work (Kinoshita, 2013).On the other hand, it can be said
that when people suffering from some of the mental disorder are being recruited then the
workplace tends to become very much miscellaneous with the addition of new talents, solutions
and ideas from the variety of people working in the workplace. As per the research that is being
conducted by the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability in 2018
indicates that companies that hire people suffering from mental illness tend to get more benefit
and success in comparison to the company who not hires the people who are suffering from some
sort of mental illness (Kyaga, 2013). The revenue of the company who were hiring the people
who have mental illness was 28 per cent higher with the net income being twice more. Studies
indicate that such companies or organizations also had a 30 per cent higher rate of margin. The
research that is being conducted by the department of the labour shows that companies which
hired the people who have mental disability observed 80 per cent of the increase in the retention
of the employees (Pescosolido, 2013). People who have mental disorder often tend to look at the
problems in a different way. Thus, they tend to bring an innovative way of thinking to new
products and even to the service that is being given to that of the customers.
The myths that tend to lie against the people suffering from issues of mental disorder
prevents from working, as per the survey that was being conducted in the year 2010, the rate of
the employment decreased with the increase in the severity in the mental illness (Vigo,
Thornicroft & Atun, 2016). On the other hand, it is to be noted that people suffering from some
form of mental illness tends to get employed after crossing the age of 49. However, this is one of

4MENTAL ILLNESS
the reasons in which attention should be given as employment is very significant for the people
who have mental illness as it gives them financial support.
As per the American with Disabilities Act, accommodations are often provided in the
workplace, which tends to have a positive impact on the employees. Absenteeism often leads to a
huge loss in productivity. Therefore providing accommodation acts a good solution. Individual
placement and support system also tends to help people suffering from mental issues. These
programs provide people suffering from mental disorders with jobs based on their own skills and
talents. Assertive Community treatment tends t provide support to the people who have a mental
illness. the program tends to include individualised treatment, integration of the community and
placement of the job. On the other hand, the centres which are based on the community tends to
offer programs which are based on employment.
Various other problems which might act as a barrier for the people suffering from
mental problems in the workplace. The people who have mental illness might not be motivated
enough to work for a full day. He or she might feel demotivated. People who have mental illness
may also suffer from the inability to concentrate on a single project, he or she may feel restless
all the time. People who have mental illness may not be able to take feedback. They tend to have
a very difficult time in understanding and even in interpreting criticism. Unexpected changes
may be very much stressful for them.
Mental illness should not be considered as a barrier to employment. Various people are
successful despite having bipolar disorder. People who have bipolar disorder are the ones who
are very much inventive and imaginative. Therefore the myth that the people who have mental
illness are not good enough in the workplace might be avoided and equal chances might be given

5MENTAL ILLNESS
References
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Kyaga, S., Landén, M., Boman, M., Hultman, C. M., Långström, N., & Lichtenstein, P. (2013).
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