Fear and misunderstanding of psychological disorders can lead to unhealthy associations and stigma that is attached to those with mental health disorders. As stated in the book, they provide the example of people having red hair in the U.S., how it is uncommon but not bad, and how that mindset can be applied to mental disorders, it's not bad, just not typical. When people don't understand this they believe the myths, and fears, and misunderstand psychological disorders. This results in people not wanting to get help, or results in them staying away from those who are getting help or need help. Since there are these beliefs, it discourages people from actually understanding what mental illness is, and what it could be. Since it is commonly associated with serial killers or violent crimes, people make assumptions and connections that aren't necessarily true.
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