Mental health struggles are an unfortunate reality of life that shouldn’t be discounted or dismissed as weakness or character defects. They can result from genetics, brain chemistry or life experiences and cannot be denied as conditions to blame.
Unbearable misconceptions surrounding mental health can create stigma and prevent people from seeking help, so here are five myths you should stop believing about mental wellness.
1. Mental health conditions aren’t “real” medical issues
People suffering from mental health conditions can recover, just like anyone with any medical condition. Treatment plans that combine therapy and medication have proven highly successful; those who ignore symptoms and wait for them to go away on their own risk further damaging emotional or cognitive functioning and increased risks for long-term issues.
Mental illness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an actual medical condition caused by genetics, brain chemistry, and life circumstances. Just like we don’t blame someone with diabetes or cancer for having their illness, stigmatization of those suffering mental health conditions prevents many people from receiving help they require and can even lead to homelessness, addiction or suicide.
Misconceptions about people with mental health issues often lead to misperceptions about violence or instability; sensationalized stories in the news contribute to this misconception, though only 3-5% of violent acts can be directly attributed to mental health disorders. Untreated mental illnesses have been associated with poverty, unemployment, disability benefits claims, substance abuse issues and crime rates; but this doesn’t mean those living with such illnesses cannot work; many find employment and contribute significantly towards society in meaningful ways.
2. People with mental health issues are violent or unpredictable
Myths like this one can deter people from seeking treatment. Furthermore, they can create stigma and discrimination, especially against marginalized populations like those living in poverty or part of LGBTQ+ communities.
Mental illness should never be seen as an indicator of character flaw or weakness; simply because symptoms alter your perception or cause changes in thinking doesn’t indicate you’re “crazy”. Indeed, seeking assistance shows strength – just as seeking medical assistance would for asthma or diabetes.
Mental illness does not increase one’s likelihood of violence; most violence results from co-occurring substance use and other factors. According to Time to Change’s campaign to end mental health discrimination by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, only four percent of violent incidents in the US can be linked back to mental illness.
Media portrayals that associate mental illness with violence create a false perception that such individuals can be dangerous and unpredictable – especially harmful in a culture where many feel embarrassed to seek help for mental health issues for fear of judgment or being seen as weak.
3. Therapy or professional help is only for “serious” cases
Misconceptions about mental health abound, often discouraging individuals from seeking assistance and compounding struggles further. Misperceptions may even increase these risks and put their health in jeopardy.
One of the most harmful misconceptions surrounding mental health issues is the perception that they represent signs of weakness. This simply isn’t true; just like broken bones or the flu, mental health disorders are medical disorders caused by numerous factors like brain chemistry, genetic inheritance and stressors/trauma – not an indicator of weakness like diabetes or an unpleasant hangover!
Mental illness sufferers need kindness and understanding rather than criticism and should receive help when possible. Fighting one’s way through mental health struggles alone is not always possible and many may feel ashamed when struggling with their emotions; society places pressures to suppress feelings that only compound symptoms further. That’s why it’s vitally important to dispel myths surrounding mental health and create a more supportive culture around mental illness.
Believing in oneself takes strength and courage, but acknowledging a mental health challenge is the first step toward recovery. Mental health shouldn’t be considered less valuable than physical health; therapy and other treatment methods have proven highly successful at helping people overcome mental health challenges.
4. Mental illness is a lack of willpower
One of the most dangerous mental health myths is that those living with mental illnesses lack willpower, leading them to avoid seeking the necessary assistance and potentially exacerbating symptoms further.
Mental health challenges don’t depend on one’s strength or willpower alone; rather, they depend on genetics, brain chemistry and life experiences. Calling mental health conditions weak would be like calling them asthma or diabetes; mental health conditions require treatment just like any physical illness does.
As it can be challenging to discuss mental illness, especially if you lack knowledge, dispelling mental health myths is essential for raising awareness, decreasing stigmatization and creating a more supportive society. By learning what not to believe about mental illness you may better identify signs of emotional distress and seek professional assistance as needed.
Identifying mental health issues early is paramount to helping yourself, your loved ones, and the larger community. By seeking treatment and reducing stigma early, you can help yourself, those closest to you, and the wider society. Let’s work together towards making mental healthcare as normal as physical healthcare; our team at Eagle View Behavioral Health can assist in dispelling harmful myths related to mental healthcare as well as finding suitable therapies and treatments that fit you.
