Mental health is a vital aspect of overall health. Unfortunately, it is one of the most stigmatized and misunderstood topics in society.
Misunderstandings related to mental health lead to discrimination and negatively affect people’s access to health care services.
While physical health has always been given importance, mental health has been often neglected. In the past, people used to associate any mental illness or abnormal behavior with demonic possession or witchcraft.
It was not until the 18th century when people began to perceive mental illness as an illness that required treatment.
In this article, we will discuss the common misunderstandings about mental health and how we can overcome them.
Misunderstanding 1: Mental Health Disorders Are a Sign of Weakness
One of the most common misconceptions about mental health is that it is a sign of weakness. This misconception causes a lot of people to suffer in silence instead of seeking help.
People experiencing mental health disorders often feel ashamed or embarrassed and refuse to seek treatment because they don’t want others to consider them weak.
The truth is that mental health disorders are not a sign of weakness; rather, they are medical conditions. Mental health problems can affect anyone regardless of their social status, income, or personality.
They are caused by numerous factors such as genetics, environmental factors, and life events, among others.
If you are experiencing a mental health disorder, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Misunderstanding 2: Mental Health Disorders Are Rare
Another common misconception is that mental health disorders are rare. This perception often leads to a lack of awareness about how common mental health disorders are.
The truth is that mental health disorders are quite common, and around 1 in 5 Americans are affected by a mental health disorder each year.
Mental health disorders encompass a wide range of conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various personality disorders.
They can cause significant distress and interfere with your daily life if left untreated.
Misunderstanding 3: Mental Health Disorders are a Choice
Some people believe that mental health disorders are a choice and something people bring upon themselves.
Many individuals are often quick to dismiss the legitimacy of mental health and brush off someone’s struggles as mere laziness or an excuse to avoid responsibility or being labeled a hypochondriac.
This belief is far from the truth as mental health disorders are often triggered by a combination of several factors, including genetic traits, traumatic experiences, or substance abuse disorders.
Mental health isn’t a choice; it’s a lifelong disorder individuals learn to live with, not a temporary phase that fades away after some time.
Misunderstanding 4: Talking About Mental Health Makes It Worse
When an individual is experiencing a mental health disorder, talking about their struggles and thoughts can be therapeutic.
However, many people mistakenly believe that discussing mental health disorders worsens the condition and prefer to keep the discussion short, if not avoid it altogether.
Conversely, according to several studies, talking about personal feelings, concerns, and mental health is advantageous and a crucial step towards healing from a mental health disorder.
Engaging in discussions and seeking support from loved ones or a mental health professional can help individuals in managing their symptoms, developing effective coping mechanisms, and reinforcing self-esteem.
Misunderstanding 5: Mental Health Disorders Affect Only Adults
Another misperception is that mental health disorders only affect adults and not children or teenagers. It is essential to recognize early the signs of mental health disorders in children or teenagers to provide appropriate help.
Children and young teens might experience anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and behavioral disorders that significantly impact their social, emotional, and academic development.
It is essential to take these disorders seriously and should seek the assistance of certified healthcare professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists.
Misunderstanding 6: Mental Health Disorders Don’t Affect Physical Health
Many people believe that mental health disorders are solely confined to mental and emotional health, which is not accurate.
While it is true that mental disorders primarily affect an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, several mental health disorders, such as PTSD, have significant physical symptoms such as such as sweat, increased heart rate, and dizziness.
It is vital to know that the mental and physical aspect of health is interconnected, and mental health conditions can have physical ramifications.
Furthermore, people with severe mental health disorders may suffer from multiple physical health issues and have a higher risk of chronic conditions like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, having good mental health is crucial for maintaining optimum physical health.
Misunderstanding 7: Mental Health Disorders are Untreatable
One of the most discouraging misunderstandings about mental health disorders is that they are incurable. That belief is far from the truth; most mental health disorders are treatable with the right interventions and support.
Effective interventions can help people with mental health disorders in managing their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.
The key to effective health outcomes and a prompt recovery is accessing evidence-backed treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Early intervention can be instrumental in mitigating the impact of mental health disorders and reducing recurrences.
Misunderstanding 8: Mental Health Disorders Lead to Violence
Media representation has influenced a widespread belief that people with mental health disorders are violent and pose a risk to society. This statement cannot be further from the truth.
People with mental health are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators.
The majority of people with mental health disorders that pose a risk to society suffer from untreated and severe psychotic disorders.
With the right interventions, individuals with a severe mental health disorder can lead productive lives and integrate into society seamlessly. Mental health should not be viewed as a reason to stigmatize people with mental health disorders and deprive them of their basic human right of accessing healthcare services.
Misunderstanding 9: Superior Mental Health Equals Happiness
Many people mistakenly assume that good mental health equates to a life without challenges or emotional difficulties. They think that people with excellent mental health never experience sadness, anxiousness, or hardships, which is not true.
Even the most mentally fit individuals experience challenging times in life.
Good mental health is the ability to adapt to different circumstances, seek effective help, practice self-care, and navigate through life.
Life offers no certainty and comes with unpredictable difficulties, so having healthy coping mechanisms and knowing where to seek help is crucial in maintaining good mental health.
Misunderstanding 10: Mental Health Disorders are an Individual Problem
An individual’s mental health does not operate in isolation. Mental health disorders do not only affect the individual with the disorder but also their loved ones, family, and society.
The mental health of the population is also a public health concern and should not be ignored.
Neglecting the mental health of the population might lead to social issues such as rising cases of suicide, substance abuse disorder, obesity, and chronic diseases.
Conclusion
It is crucial to raise awareness about the truth of mental health and overcome the numerous misunderstandings surrounding it. The stigmatization of individuals experiencing mental health problems can only lead to further harm and alienation.
It’s time for society to stop treating mental health disorders differently from physical ailments, and instead understand that they are medical conditions that require the same compassion, care, and understanding as any other illness.
By overcoming the misunderstandings and stigma associated with mental health, we can help make a real difference in the lives of millions of individuals dealing with mental health disorders every day.
