Debunking 10 Stereotypes About Mental Health
Although conversations about mental health are becoming more popular, there are still many myths, stigmas, and stereotypes floating around about mental health conditions. Negative stereotypes about mental health can lead to patients feeling isolated and ostracized from their communities. Addressing myths about our mental well-being, then, is more important than ever. In this post, we will debunk 10 stereotypes about mental health. Education is the first step of progress!
Mental health problems don’t affect me: This myth has been disproven for decades. Twenty years ago, the World Health Organization estimated that 1 in 4 people in the world will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives. Current estimates indicate that 450 million people are experiencing a mental or neurological disorder. Furthermore, recent studies in the US indicate that the number of adults experiencing depression has tripled during the pandemic.
Mental health disorders prevent you from working: This dangerous myth assumes that people facing mental health challenges are lazy, unproductive, and cannot hold down a job. However, in reality, the majority of people with mental health issues are entirely capable of joining the workforce, especially with the right support system in place.
Mental health problems are untreatable: Each person has a unique experience with their mental illness, so it’s unfair to assume that everyone suffers from a lifelong, debilitating mental condition.The path towards recovery often has many ups and downs. However, with the proper diagnosis and treatment plan, individuals do get better, and they can live a fulfilling life.
People with a mental illness are violent: Sensationalized news, TV shows, and movies have created the stereotype of the aggressive “psycho.” In reality, there is little evidence that mental illness leads to violence. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are actually 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime, compared to the general population.
You are born with your mental illness: Certain mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, can run in the family. However, many patients develop a mental illness with no family history. Stress, isolation, abuse, or the development of a physical illness/disability can contribute to an onset of a mental illness.
People who suffer from mental illness are “weak”: Mental health problems have nothing to do with your personality. Like a physical illness, patients cannot just “snap out” of a mental disorder. Biological factors, life experiences, and family history can all contribute to a mental illness diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder makes you moody: Bipolar disorder is characterized by fluctuating emotions; people with bipolar disorder go through cycles of “highs” and “lows” for weeks, even months. These extreme episodes do not change or swing from moment of moment.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) only impacts veterans: Anyone can develop PTSD. Sexual assault victims, victims of abuse, and people who have lost a loved one can all suffer from PTSD. Even people who witness another person’s trauma (i.e. victims of vicarious trauma) can develop PTSD.
Mental health medications are “happy pills”: Just like any other medical condition, mental illness is an illness. For many individuals, medication is needed to ease the symptoms of their condition, so they can function normally.
There’s nothing we can do to help: Actually, friends and family can make a huge impact on a person’s recovery journey. If you want to support a loved one with a mental health diagnosis, you can help them access mental health services, educate yourself about their condition, and even just reach out and let them know that you are available for them.
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