Mental health is a complicated subject. It is simple to get misled and unsure about its effects. Mental health concerns are stigmatized. This stigma stops people from receiving the assistance they require.
What is clear is that everyone’s mental health matters. The best way to eliminate the stigma is to learn everything you can about it. The simplest approach to do so is to debunk some of the most common myths associated with mental illness.
1. People with mental issues are “crazy”
Simply said, having a mental disease doesn’t indicate that you are “crazy.” It means that you are vulnerable. It suggests you have a disease with difficult symptoms, similar to someone with diabetes. While mental illness may affect your thinking, disrupt your moods, or distort your perception of reality, it doesn’t mean that you are “crazy.” It signifies you are human and, like everyone else, are prone to health issues.
2. Mental issues are not true diseases
The terminology that is used to characterize mental diseases has evolved significantly throughout time. What hasn’t changed is that mental diseases aren’t just part of life’s ups and downs. Mental diseases cause suffering, don’t resolve themselves and are serious health issues that require effective treatments.
3. Mental health issues are an indication of weakness
This is as false as suggesting that a broken limb indicates weakness. Mental health issues are diseases, not flaws of character. People suffering from depression, for example, can’t “snap out of it,” any more than someone suffering from diabetes or psoriasis can. Fighting a mental illness requires a lot of strength.
4. Mental health struggles can’t be managed
Even though it is natural to experience difficulties, you do not have to suffer. There are effective remedies if your symptoms prevent you from achieving your objectives or functioning in daily life. Professional psychotherapy may be part of the answer for some. Self-care and coping skills might provide respite for others. What is most important is that you feel empowered to take action to promote your mental health.
5. People who have mental issues are aggressive and dangerous
Many people with mental issues are no more likely to be aggressive than anyone else. In most cases. Mental issues don’t make people aggressive, and only 3%-5% of violent acts may be linked to those with serious mental illnesses. In fact, those with serious mental disorders are more than ten times more likely than the average population to be victims of violence and crime.
6. People are born with mental health issues
Certain mental diseases, such as bipolar mood disorder, can run in families. Others, however, acquire mental illnesses with no family history. Many circumstances can lead to the development of mental disease. Stress, grief, marital breakup, unemployment, social isolation, a significant physical disease, physical and sexual abuse, or disability are examples of these.
7. Children and teenagers don’t have mental health issues
According to research, one in every five youngsters has or will have a mental condition. The earliest indicators of a mental health problem appeared before the age of 14 in 50% of individuals. These issues are not always caused by poor parenting. They are the result of a variety of causes. Many of these factors are beyond the control of the kid or parents. Childhood trauma can contribute to mental health problems in both teenagers and adults.
8. Nothing can prevent mental health issues
People can prevent mental health disorders with the help of:
- Improving their social and emotional abilities
- Asking for assistance and support at a young age
- Creating warm, caring, and supporting family connections
- Attending positive schools
- Maintaining appropriate sleep schedules
The capacity to overcome adversity is dependent on a mix of protective factors, and neither environmental nor individual stresses will result in mental health problems on their own.
