Dispelling Mental Health Myths for a Better Tomorrow
When we speak about Health, it includes everything – Physical, Mental and Emotional well-being of a person. But we usually tend to overlook mental health. It is as important as physical health and requires equal care.
Mental health means a cognitive, behavioral and emotional state of a person. To put it simply, it is about how one thinks, feels and behaves. But mental health and mental illness are used interchangeably and, thus there is still stigma attached to seeking professional help for mental health problems.
On 10th October every year, World Mental Health Day is observed. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues across the globe and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
It offers an opportunity for people working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done in this domain. The theme for World Mental Health Day is “40 seconds of action”, to raise awareness of the scale of suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play to help prevent it.
There many myths and misconceptions that surround mental health. These stories address some troubling beliefs about mental health conditions and explore what it's like to experience mental health issues.
A look at some of the most common misconceptions about Mental Health
People suffering from a mental disorder are violent and unpredictable
Usually, the media portrays people suffering from mental health issues as violent and unpredictable. Society tends to notice such behaviors often attribute it to mental illness. Instead of being aggressive, a person suffering from mental illness has a higher probability of being a victim of violent crimes.
Mental illness sufferers are faking it or just acting for attention
If this is justified, then maybe people having cancer or diabetes are also seeking attention. Like no one wishes to have physical illnesses, one would not want to suffer from a mental illness as well.
Medication is the key; therapy is a waste of time
Some require medication to treat mental problems, some don’t. The treatment varies from one person to another as each one has a different personality. Often for proper recovery, a combination of medication and therapy is used.
People who dress well and act normal can’t possibly suffer from mental issues
While you may see a swollen leg or bruised hand, mental illness is something that hidden. It cannot be seen, but only felt and understood. Regardless of where one lives or how rich they are, they can still be mentally unwell. It may so happen that a person you meet every day may be suffering, but you may be completely unknown to this as he looks happy and peaceful. It relates to the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” A human can hide his/her pain behind the smile, and you may never come to know!
Medication is addictive
Many are still confused between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. While the former uses talk therapy, the latter has the power to diagnose the problem and accordingly prescribe medication.
The medication prescribed helps in balancing the chemicals in the brain and feel better, but if it is abused, it can have disastrous negative effects.
Mentally ill person is possessed by a ghost
Unlike any other disease, the signs of mental illness are manifested in thought and behavior. Generally, people find it difficult to understand what is happening and what is wrong. So due to unawareness and lack of information, the hearsay exists that the person is possessed because of the weird behavior.
Marriage can cure a person of distorted thinking and unusual behavior
Marriage is a legal contract between two people who agree mutually to spend their lives together. But often it is mistaken as a problem-solver or healer. No, marriage cannot solve any issues, but just aggravate it and pull your partner also in distress.
Since the brain is a part of the body, any disturbances in its state need to be treated by a mental health professional.
Mentally ill must be hospitalized until cured
Just like hospitalization is not mandatory for all physical illnesses, keeping a person suffering from mental issues is not necessary unless the treatment demands it.
One should approach mental health professionals only when one is mentally ill
Mental health doesn’t mean that one should be away from any kind of mental illness. But it also means that one can successfully cope with life's stressors and lead a productive life. While facing challenging situations, one might feel overwhelmed or tend to be unable to handle the situations alone. In such situations, it is possible that one needs help from a professional.
Visiting a therapist, counselor or psychologist will only help in dealing with the situation in a better way and build a healthy coping mechanism.
Mental illness treatments are brutal
Long gone are the times when doctors used the electric shock method to treat mentally ill patients. With changing times, effective drugs and evolved methods of therapy, mental illness treatments have become more humane and sensitive.
Seeking help is a sign of weakness and self-inadequacy
No, it’s not. It is just the opposite. Accepting that one is not okay and reaching out for help to get better is a sign of courage and ownership to maintain well-being.
Since mental problems are caused due to a biological imbalance, it must be treated with a biological base - medication.
Self- control, discipline or love can cure mental health
Just like one’s will power cannot bring down fever without any medication, a similar formula applies to mental health conditions.
Mental illness affects only a few people
Studies show that mental illness affects approximately one in ten people. Whether it is an adult, an elderly person or a youth, each one has experienced some sort of mental health issue in their lifetime.
Mental issues are a result of weak character/ personality
Incorrect! Environmental, biological, social as well as genetic factors everything and anything plays a role in developing mental issues. Just like fever isn’t regarded as a symptom of weakness but a sign of infection and is treated accordingly, then why is this thought not applied to mental illness?
Mental illness is also a condition that needs to be treated with the help of mental health professionals. Propagating the idea that it’s because of a person’s weak character can stop people from getting help. It prevents an open discussion and leads to a fostering of the stigma.
Mental illness sufferers cannot perform daily activities or hold a job
Another popular myth people believe in that suffering from mental issues does not mean one cannot focus on one’s job and daily activities.
Many people who experience mental problems learn skills for managing stressors and problem-solving as tools for self-care.
A business organization or company must ensure that if any employee is going through a troubled phase, they support him/her by whichever means possible. Also, the person should be allowed to take breaks when required to keep their health in place.
Appropriate support from the management and family can help a person overcome the issues conveniently, and feel less distressed.
People suffering from mental illness can never get better
Almost all the mental illnesses can be treated. For commonly experienced issues like depression, stress and anxiety, the recovery rates are extremely good.
One of the biggest difficulties many doctors face is that the rates of help-seeking people are usually low. This is because people shy away from consulting a doctor for their mental issues. Discussing mental health is still a taboo in our country.
Consulting a therapist implies you are unwell!
If you are consulting a therapist to vent out your confusion and feelings it is just a way to treat your mind and doesn't mean that you are unwell. A therapist will help you understand and overcome feelings of stress and unseen transitions in life. Just like exercise and non-smoking is a way to keep your heart and lungs and lungs healthy, speaking your mind out with a therapist helps you keep your emotional being healthy.
For one’s overall well-being and development, treating mental health different from physical health is necessary. One should give undivided attention to both.
This World Mental Health Day, let’s pledge to bust the myths around you and help anyone who is suffering. Make peace with yourself and the people around you!
