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I think in part the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental illness originate from the idea that we want to believe we control our own behavior.  It is scary to admit that our genetics and environment can affect us in ways that we are not aware of.  If this is true, how much of our behavior should we be held accountable for?  An example that stuck with me in class was one of the axe murderer.  Should this person be punished for his or her behavior or should they be given help to try and understand and overcome their deviant desires?  

In a less extreme example, I think the idea of mental illness is so scary to some people because they fear their own vulnerability.  Who hasn’t been depressed at some point?  Maybe people who perpetuate these stigmas want to distance themselves from what they perceive as weakness.