The stigma around mental health is still there in
today’s society. And because of the stigmas associated with it, so many
misconceptions have arisen due to which people hesitate to reach out for help
and decide to be silent about it. Read on to get all those common myths
debunked because a little knowledge is often a dangerous thing.
1.
MYTH - People who are mentally ill
are violent and dangerous
FACT – Most of the mentally ill
people are not violent and are like other normal beings. Only 4% violence
happening is associated with cases of severe mental illness while the rest 96%
violence is associated with the general population. But it is mostly seen that
mentally ill people are more likely to be a victim of violence.
2.
MYTH – Mentally ill people are weak
and can’t take up responsibilities
FACT – Mental illness is not a sign
of weakness or failure. Mental illness could be because of trauma, abuse,
genetics, disability or changes in brain chemistry. Every one out of five
adults in the United States suffer from a mental health issue. There are
chances that few people around you might be mentally ill. But not like they
can’t take up a responsibility, be it a job or parenting. They have the same
potential as every one else. They can be mentally very strong despite suffering
from mental illness.
3.
MYTH - Mental health issues cannot be
treated
FACT – Complete recovery from a
mentally health issue is possible except some like Bipolar Disorder and
Schizophrenia. Therapy and medication can help as most of them are treatable. Family
members and friends can make a big difference, they should step forward to
provide adequate amount of support to mentally ill people.
4.
MYTH – Children don’t have mental
health issues
FACT – Anyone can experience mental
health problems at any point in their life. Half of most of the mental
illnesses show their initial signs before 14 years of age. It might not be just
the ups and downs of teenage life. Unfortunately, people don’t notice the
initial signs and don’t reach out for the support and the treatment they might
need.
5.
MYTH – Therapy and self-help are of
no use.
FACT – Therapy certainly has a bad
reputation among people. Treatment of a mental health disorder differs from
person to person and depends upon the individual. Some might need just therapy,
some might need medication and some might need both. Therapy is scientifically
proven to help with healthy coping mechanisms which makes it more effective.
6.
MYTH – It is impossible to prevent
mental illnesses.
FACT – There is no sure way of
preventing mental illnesses but it isn’t impossible. Mental health prevention
means stopping mental health problems before they start and supporting people
who have a higher risk of experiencing them. Being aware of mental health risks
is extremely important so that a person can reach out for support in their
initial stages of experiencing the problem.
7.
MYTH – Mentally ill people can’t be
helped
FACT – That’s absolutely wrong.
Mentally ill people need more love, care, support and attention. Family and
friends can help the person to access mental health services by reaching out to
them and letting them know that everyone is available to help. Close ones
should take the initiative to know about facts related to mental health and
make the person believe that they aren’t “crazy” or “weak”.
People with mental health disorders are often blamed
for their condition whereas people with physical health issues aren’t. It is
high time that people raise their voices against this stigma and talk openly
about mental health, raise awareness about it and educate themselves and
others.
#MentalHealthAwareness
