'Mental health' is the word that needs to be given equal attention as that of physical health. For people dealing with mental illnesses, discussing the challenges can be difficult. The stigma surrounding mental health can make people feel excluded and misunderstood.
However, becoming more informed can help put an end to that. The World Mental Health Day as you know is celebrated on October 10, I believe that not only this day we should talk about it but mental health is such thing which needs to be addressed on a consistent basis. Do you know the stats that how many people are suffering from mental health disorders? You will be amazed and shocked to see the stats.
It is estimated that at least 10 per cent of the world’s population is affected and that 20 per cent of children and adolescents suffer from some type of mental disorder.
There are many myths and misconceptions associated with mental health, and it's important to bust them. So let's begin to bust it because together we can!
Table Contents
Here what I will cover in my article:
#1. What are the 10 myths about mental health?
Experiencing mental health problems, particularly in the initial stages, is often upsetting, confusing, and shocking. In many ways, mental health issues are just like physical health problems that anyone can have and need to take care of.
Of late, mental health is being addressed on a larger scale. But due to the stigma associated with mental illness, a lack of awareness, and limited access to professional help, only 10-12% of patients will seek help given the many myths surrounding mental illness.
1. Myth1: Mental Illness is a sign of personal failing.
Truth: Just like any other disease, mental illness can happen to anyone. It has nothing to do with the person being lazy or weak. In fact, several environmental and biological factors often contribute to mental health issues.
People suffering from mental health issues can get better and many recover completely.
2. Myth2: People are faking it or doing it for attention
Truth: Do you think that anyone will pretend that he or she is ill? Like I don't think so, doesn't matter whether it is a physical illness or mental illness no one will ever want to pretend.
Although the specific symptoms of mental health conditions may not always be visible to the untrained eye, it does not mean that they do not exist. The causes and resultant symptoms of mental illness are widely studied and are attributed to certain causes and triggers.
It can be challenging to relate to people with an existing mental health condition, but that does not mean that their condition is not real.
3. Myth3. Having a positive attitude can cure depression
Truth: Depression is not something that you can throw it away. Often, people have this misconception that if a person is depressed they need to just be positive.
Depression is not simply a feeling of sadness, but a serious medical condition that affects the biological functioning of the body. Cognitive therapy and medications can help address the underlying symptoms and causes of depression.
So, it's important that if you are suffering from any serious kind of symptoms consult your doctors about it rather than treating it by yourself.
4. Myth4. Mental health problems are purely biological or genetic.
Truth: Mental health problems are not caused by solely bad genes or a biological chemical imbalance, according to the doctors. Mental illness can happen to anyone so, it's not genetic as such.
5. Myth5: Mental health disorders are often life-long and difficult to treat.
Truth: People with a newly diagnosed disorder such as depression or anxiety are told they have to take medication for it.
Most medications prescribed for mental disorders should be taken for short-term symptom relief. Some medications have withdrawal effects that are often worse than the original problem.
Asking your doctor about these issues is important before you are placed on any medication for a mental disorder. So, don't research from Google Baba and take medications. Always consult a doctor whenever you are ill.
6. Myth6: Having a mental illness means you are crazy.
Truth: It's plain and simple, having a mental illness does not mean you are “crazy.” It means you have an illness with challenging symptoms, the same as someone with an illness like diabetes.
While mental illness might alter your thinking, destabilize your moods, that doesn’t mean you are “crazy.” It means you are human and are susceptible to sickness and illness, the same as any other person.
7. Myth7: Psychiatric medications are bad.
Truth: People tend to believe that psychiatric medicine is harmful and not good for Health.
This is simply not true.
Just like any other medical condition, mental illness is still an illness. For many with mental illness, medication is necessary, just like it would be for diabetic patients taking insulin. For some individuals with mental illness, medication is needed for survival.
For others, like those who have mild to moderate depression, medication can help ease symptoms, so they can function normally.
8. Myth8: Seeking help for mental illness will lead to making symptoms worse.
Truth: I know it’s hard to come out to anyone about having a mental illness, especially because they’re so commonly misunderstood and people who are unfamiliar with mental illness tend to think that people are the way they are because of nature, personality or attitude.
But when you do have the strength, courage to open up to someone else, you are working to alleviate the stigma, increase awareness.
So don’t let others perceptions scare you from getting the help you need. Just ask for help and open up.
9. Myth9: You don’t need therapy.
Truth: Many people often resort to sleeping pills and other modes of self-medication to cope with their mental illness.
When it comes to treating mental illness, there is no right way to recovery. Often a patient will be put on medications depending on their condition. However, in most cases, a person will need a combination of therapy and medication to overcome their illness.
So, stop self-diagnosing and self-medicating, it is best to seek professional help.
10. Myth10: Children don't experience mental health problems.
Truth: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable.
So, anyone can suffer from mental health regardless of age.
#2. CONCLUSION
The truth is many people live in silence about their mental health. Like with any medical issue, it’s an individual’s right to only disclose what they feel comfortable discussing, but opening up about mental health disorders is the most effective way of fighting the stigma around it.
The more people who share their experiences, the more other people will understand what these illnesses are really like, and the more acceptance will develop.
So, We all should support this thing and let's eliminate the stigma. Together we can!
Thanks for reading it till the end. Hope you find this blog post helpful.
If you liked it then do leave your valuable thoughts in the comments below.
