When it comes to mental health, many people are unaware of how common they are or what they actually look like. Misperceptions and myths give rise to stigma, discouraging people from talking openly about their concerns. This in turn leads to worsening of the issues.
This May, as part of the Mental Health Awareness month, let us all try to become more aware about mental health, and make a conscious effort to overcome false beliefs. Let us not assume blindly. Let us try to overcome our ignorance by finding facts. Let us be open-minded. Because mental health doesn’t just concern ‘them’, it affects ‘us’.
Here are some common myths about mental health, followed by the facts.
MYTH: Needing psychological help is a sign of weakness
FACT: Psychological and emotional difficulties have nothing to do with being lazy or weak. Recognizing a concern as a challenge and reaching out for counselling or support is, in fact, a mark strength and resilience.
MYTH: Mental health issues are very rare and will never affect me
FACT: Mental health issues are very common. According to one WHO report, 1 in 4 families worldwide are likely to have at least one member with a behavioural or mental disorder. The percentage of people who are affected by mental health issues in their family or social circle is as high as 80%.
MYTH: Depression and other mental health issues cannot be treated
FACT: People diagnosed with mental illnesses (including depression) can get better. Nearly all mental health concerns can be successfully managed with the help of counselling, medication or a combination of the two. Different approaches are useful for different people.
MYTH: A person can stop being mentally ill if they decide to
FACT: Mental health and illness is not a matter of personal choice. It is neither caused by personal weakness, nor can it be “cured” by personal strength. Just like in physical illness, a patient cannot be held responsible for recovering from mental illness. Would you expect a person with asthma or heart-disease to ‘just get over it’? It is equally unfair to expect a person suffering from depression or OCD to just get better by deciding to!
MYTH: A person with mental illness is dangerous and unpredictable
FACT: People with a mental illness are no more violent or dangerous than the rest of the population. Studies indicate no significant difference in violent tendencies between those who have been diagnosed with mental disorders and those who haven’t.
MYTH: Mental illness is a result of bad parenting
FACT: No single factor completely contributes to the development of a psychological illness or disorder. A child’s relationship with his/her parents and early life experiences are important in shaping one’s personality. However, the development of mental illness is often a result of a combination of environmental, biological and social factors.
These are just a few examples. Can you think of any more? Do share your inputs in the comments section below.