The stigma surrounding mental illness has resulted in many people misunderstanding mental illnesses.

This misunderstanding can make it harder for those who suffer from mental illness to seek treatment or to feel comfortable talking about their struggles. As such, it’s important to shed light on some of the ‘misunderstood’ mental illnesses. Here are the top five ‘misunderstood’ mental illnesses:.

1. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by intense mood swings, a distorted sense of self, and difficulties in relationships.

People with BPD may struggle with intense fear of abandonment, leading to a tendency to cling to people close to them while also pushing them away. As such, many people may view BPD as a disorder that makes individuals ‘hard to deal with’.

However, it’s important to understand that people with BPD are often struggling with intense emotional pain, and may need empathy and understanding from loved ones.

2. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking. People with schizophrenia may struggle with social interactions, and may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not.

Because of the severity of symptoms, many people may view schizophrenia as a disorder that makes people violent or ‘crazy’.

However, it’s important to remember that individuals with schizophrenia are often struggling with a great deal of distress, and that many individuals with schizophrenia can and do lead full, meaningful lives with the right support and treatment.

3. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, are characterized by a preoccupation with food, weight, and body image. People with eating disorders may engage in behaviors like excessively restricting their food intake, purging, or excessively exercising.

Many people may view eating disorders as a ‘lifestyle choice’ or a desire to simply be thin, rather than a serious mental health issue. However, eating disorders often have complex roots and are associated with significant physical and emotional harm. It’s important to treat eating disorders as serious medical conditions, rather than simply as aesthetic concerns.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by obsessions, or intrusive thoughts that cause significant distress, as well as compulsions, or repetitive behaviors or mental rituals.

People with OCD may feel compelled to engage in rituals like checking door locks or washing their hands multiple times. Many people may view OCD as a ‘quirk’ or a tendency towards being neat and organized, but it’s important to recognize that OCD can be a serious mental health concern that causes significant distress and can be debilitating.

5. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by alternating periods of extreme highs, or mania, and extreme lows, or depression. People with Bipolar Disorder may struggle with impulsivity, difficulty sleeping, and erratic behavior.

Many people may view Bipolar Disorder as a sign of ‘craziness’ or instability, rather than a serious mental health condition. However, with proper treatment, many people with Bipolar Disorder can lead meaningful, stable lives.

Conclusion

The stigma around mental illness has resulted in many people misunderstanding mental health conditions.

However, by shedding light on the ‘misunderstood’ mental illnesses, we can better understand and empathize with individuals who may be struggling with these conditions. It’s important to remember that mental illnesses are serious conditions that deserve empathy and understanding, rather than judgment and ridicule.

With the right treatment and support, many individuals with mental illness can find relief and lead fulfilling lives.