Approximately, 800 million people around the globe suffer from various types of mental illness like stress, depression, anxiety, etc. At some point of time in life, we’ve all met someone who has struggled with mental illness. However, many harmful views about mental diseases still exist, fueling stigma and discrimination and making it difficult to get assistance. People felt apprehensive about discussing these topics or their mental health issues. As a result, there was a lot of stigma and misconceptions about mental diseases.
There are only a few organizations in India that work on mental health awareness; one of them is Psychologs Magazine, which is India’s only print mental health magazine. Its editor-in-chief Arvind Otta stated that “We need more indigenous authentic sources to spread information about mental health because frequent misunderstandings about mental illness might appear harmless, but they can be harmful in various ways. These mental health myths help to promote harmful stereotypes that may prevent people from seeking assistance. Some people are afraid of how others may react if they ask for help, and others may refuse therapy due to speculations about the kind of care they will receive. Many people may find themselves struggling alone, internalizing negative beliefs about mental illness, which may exacerbate their problems.”
Mentally ill people are all insane
Crazy, coo-coo, and lunatic are among derogatory terms that reinforce misconceptions about mental illness. They foster the myth that mental disease is unpredictable, unmanageable, and always severe, but in reality, mental illness and mental health disorders span a wide range. They might be minor to severe, and they can come and go. These phrases are frequently connected with psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, but these symptoms are typically only present in certain mental health problems.
As people age, they get depressed. It’s all a part of growing older
Depression is never a natural part of growing older. Because of the frequent changes in roles and social networks that older persons face, they may be more susceptible to depression. If an older adult is depressed, they require the same level of care as everyone else.
I will never be affected by mental diseases
Mental diseases will have an impact on all of us. According to researchers, one in every five Canadians will have a mental health condition or sickness each year. You may not be affected by mental illness, but chances are that a family member, friend, or coworker will.
Mental health problems are a sign of vulnerability
This isn’t accurate any more than suggesting that a shattered leg indicates weakness. Mental illnesses are illnesses, not flaws in one’s character. People suffering from depression, for example, are unable to snap out of it any more than someone suffering from diabetes or psoriasis can recover from their ailment. Fighting a mental health illness, on the other hand, requires a great deal of strength.
Mental diseases are caused by poor parenting
Mental diseases are complex conditions caused by a mix of genetics, biology, environment, and life events. Family members and loved ones play an important role in recovery and support.
Mental diseases do not heal themselves
People with mental problems can and do recover. There are numerous types of therapies, services, and supports available today. Nobody should expect to be sick for the rest of their lives. People who suffer from mental diseases can and do lead productive and involved lives. They work, volunteer, or give back to their communities with their particular skills and abilities. Even though people have long-term mental illnesses, they can learn to control their symptoms and return to their goals. If a person continues to face several difficulties, it may indicate that new ways or supports are required.
Only those without friends require the services of therapists
The gap between structured treatments/Psychotherapy and talking with family/friends is significant. Both can help persons with psychological illnesses in different ways, but only a skilled psychotherapist can help and treat illnesses constructively, whereas family and friends can help them to reach a mental health professional.
Also, not everyone can entirely open up in front of their loved ones. Therapy is private, objective, and focused on the individual, which is difficult to do in more casual conversations with unskilled friends. Furthermore, some people lack intimate friends. There are numerous reasons for this, and there is no reason to judge someone.
People who suffer from mental diseases are frail and unable to cope with stress
Stress affects happiness, but this is true for everyone. People who have had mental diseases may be better at handling stress than those who have not had mental illnesses. Many persons with mental illnesses learn stress management and problem-solving skills so that they can handle stress before it impacts their health. Self-care and asking for help when you need it are not indicators of weakness, but strength.
These and other beliefs that keep persons with mental illnesses out of our communities and obstruct their well-being. We must first learn the facts and begin with our ideas and behaviors if we want to decrease the burden of mental diseases on our communities. Although society’s awareness of mental health concerns has increased dramatically in the last decade, we still have a long way to go.
Always use authentic sources for mental health news, and if someone has a mental health problem, they should seek immediate help from a mental health professional.
