Not many people pay attention to their mental health. But thanks to the affordable health insurance programs that are widely available and mental health awareness initiatives, these issues are becoming less taboo in today’s society.
With the numerous resources available, it is easier to educate people about mental health and the proper ways to deal with it. Here’s a look at some stigmatized myths.
‘Weak people’ are the only ones who are prone to mental illness.
It is a common belief that people with strong personalities can fight mental health problems and those with weak personalities don’t have the ability to snap out of challenges that come their way. But the truth is there are many factors that contribute to mental health problems.
Did you know several mental health disorders are hereditary and can be triggered at any point in time? They may be in your genes or they may be consequences of physical illnesses, injuries, or happenings in one’s brain chemistry. So, no, personality strength/weakness does not define your risk of suffering from a mental disorder.
Children are not prone to mental disorders.Mental health problems can affect people of any age just as it affects people of any religion, race, or income bracket. In fact, young children may already show some warning signs of mental problems before the age of 14 years old.
A mental disorder disturbs one’s mood, thinking, and functioning each day. Anyone can find himself or herself in this situation. Sad to say, only a few children receive crucial treatment. Early mental support is important to help prevent further problems that might hinder a child’s developmental needs.
Mental illness is the same as intellectual disability.
As mentioned earlier, mental illness affects a person’s mood and thinking. On the other hand, a person suffering from an intellectual disability has limited intellectual function and difficulties in learning certain skills.
Examples of mental illness include schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mental illness does not affect a lot of people.
Studies say that mental health problems are very common. For instance, one out of five Americans experiences a mental issue, while one out of 10 young people suffers from symptoms of major depression.
Moreover, suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States. Apparently, this is due to the occurrences of mental health illnesses.
Mental illness sufferers are violent.
According to research, only three to five percent of violent acts are consequences of mental illnesses. The truth is people with severe mental illness are most likely victims of violent crimes. Also, many sufferers of mental disorders are productive members of their communities. You may not realize their conditions because they can work, talk, and act like those with good mental health do.
People with mental disorders can never recover.
Lots of people think that mental illness sufferers are hopeless. There is no truth to that. There are studies that show how people with mental health problems get better and recover. They can still do what normal people do like working and participating in various activities. Different forms of treatment, support, and services have made this possible.
There are numerous things people need to learn about mental health. Mental illnesses are just like physical disorders that need treatment and understanding. Misconceptions due to the lack of knowledge have been around for the longest time. Now, it is time to debunk these false beliefs that hinder people from having a proper understanding of their own mental health.
More than anything, mental illness sufferers need other people’s care and support.
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