Never Again Fall for These Mental Health Myths
There are many stereotypes and misunderstandings about mental health that can deter people from seeking the help and treatment they need. It’s important to know the difference between these mental health myths and what’s of real concern.
Facing these mental health myths and stereotypes can be the most difficult part of dealing with a mental illness. This is because many of these misunderstanding make people feel ashamed of their situations and seclude themselves rather than have the chance to express themselves and receive the help and support necessary for successful recovery.
After having some of the most common mental health myths revealed to you, you will be able to help spread the word and stop the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Myth: People with mental health problems are different than everyone else.
Fact: We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. It’s important to be conscious of both of these as they naturally fluctuate on a daily basis. Just as people can feel tired or under the weather without having a long term illness, people can often feel anxious or depressed without it meaning they have a mental health problem.
We need to treat people diagnosed with a mental illness no differently than we would if they had a broken ankle or asthma.
Myth: People with mental health problems never recover.
Fact: Many people who have experienced mental health problems have been able to recover and lead a symptom-free life. With the right treatment and the help and support of others, many mental health patients are able to lead happy, positive, and productive lives.
Our support of loved ones is vital in their recovery process. As such, it’s important to not shy away from our loved ones, but to provide them with the help they so desperately require during this time.
Myth: After experiencing a mental health problem, people are weaker.
Fact: Many people who have gone through mental illness actually feel stronger after receiving the appropriate treatment. Just like a broken bone can become stronger at the break-site, your mind is capable of forming stronger neural pathways while you’re on your recovery journey.
Myth: You only get a mental health problem if someone else in your family has one.
Fact: Most people with a mental illness do not have family members with the same (or any) illness. There may be a higher probability of developing certain mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder if family members have it; however, even then there’s no guarantee.
As with any mental or physical illness, genetics is only one of several possible reasons that a person may be diagnosed a mental health problem.
Congratulations, you will no longer fall for some of the biggest mental health myths out there!
It’s now up to each of us to help break these myths and promote the support required for those dealing with mental illness.
