Mental health is a pressing topic; unfortunately, myths and misconceptions are propagated around it, resulting in people not getting or seeking help regarding mental health. They fear getting stigmatized.
It is common to develop mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, addictions, etc., in today’s age as there is a lot of pressure to outperform in your social and academic life. However, it is essential and recommended to get help if you are facing mental health issues.
Given below are seven myths about mental health. For everyone to freely access mental health assistance, we must eliminate these myths.
Without further ado, let us get straight to the topic.
1. Children Do Not Have Mental Health Problems
This is the biggest misconception to date. Mental health issues are not only an adult or teenager’s thing; children experience mental problems too.
Children often show early signs of mental health concerns that are clinically diagnosable. They can develop mental health issues due to social, psychological, and biological factors. It is advised that parents should always keep a keen eye on their children, and if they are behaving unusually, they should immediately consult a doctor.
The most concerning thing is that if a child does not receive proper treatment, his mental health disorder can mess up his other developmental needs. This shows how much awareness around the topic of “mental health importance” we need to raise in people of all ages.
2. Mental Illness And a Job Doesn’t Go Along
There is a wrong belief that people suffering from mental health issues are not suitable for jobs. It is falsely said that they cannot handle the responsibilities and stress of a job.
This is only a myth as employers report excellent performances of those struggling with mental health issues.
According to employers who hired people battling mental health problems, the attendance, motivation, attitude, punctuality, and performance of such people were equal to or sometimes even greater than other employees.
It is better to give people with mental health problems a chance to become part of society and cope with their mental health issues.
3. Mental Health Issues Are Permanent
A widely believed myth and misconception are that when a person develops a mental health issue, it will last forever. But this is not true. As physical health problems, mental health problems are also curable. However, in some cases, it might be incurable.
The important point to understand here is that every person’s experience of mental health issues and recovery is different.
Some people sometimes feel depressed but then bounce back to normal, thus experiencing things in episodes. Others might never return to their normal life like before.
Likewise, for some people, recovery means completely becoming the old ‘you’ before the symptoms begin, and some people recover by becoming a completely new version of themselves. Hence, with treatment, therapies, and proper medication, people get out of this cycle, and it is not a lifelong disease. They can achieve balance and satisfaction in life.
4. Mental Health Occurs Due to Personality Weakness
This myth has survived for quite possibly the longest time. It was widely believed that people with weak personalities are most prone to mental health illnesses. But in reality, it is not the case entirely.
A person’s genes, brain chemistry, life experiences, environment, and family history are a few factors leading to a mental health problem.
It is better to consult a professional whenever you feel you are experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, etc. The sooner you get a helping hand, the early you will get out of the trouble.
On the other hand, if you keep delaying looking after your mental health issues, you might enter a state where no medication or counseling will help you get better. Not only mental, but you should take care of your physical health to live a blissful life.
5. People with Mental Health Issues are Violent
Since primitive times, it has been a belief that if a person has mental health issues, it means evil spirits have possessed them. And this led to the misconception that they are dangerous and violent and can harm others.
In the case of only extreme situations, this is true, but for the most part, it is fiction. A study reported only 18% of people suffering from mental health issues are violent.
Similarly, another study reported only 3% to 5% of violent acts from people with severe mental illness.
It is pertinent to note that mentally ill people are at ten times higher risk of facing violent crimes since they are vulnerable people; they are often the victims.
It is important to understand and help people suffering from mental or physical health problems. With a kind and helping hand, it is quite possible they overcome their illness or any other limitation and lead a better life.
6. I Can’t Help a Person With Mental Health Problems
This myth is very common, making people leave others alone in their battles. In reality, family and friends play a vital role in helping someone with mental health issues. Especially now that we have access to Online Psychologists in Australia, or anywhere else in the world, making it easy for people to get the help that they need.
A loved one makes the suffering person realize they are not alone; they listen to them and support them. They can even encourage them to seek professional help and get better.
Family and friends can help such people find mental health care services. They educate themselves and others to understand the problems surrounding this topic.
Conclusion
There are many myths surrounding mental health. It takes a lot of courage for someone to get help regarding their mental health. The least we can do is educate ourselves and others to separate fact from fiction and debunk these myths so that mental health care services are accessible to all.
Remember that just like physical health problems, mental health problems are also curable, and a person can live a happy life with their family and loved ones after getting the proper treatment.
Hope this article is of help to you.