In today’s blog, we will be debunking the top six myths regarding mental health.
Myth 1: Children don't experience mental health issues.
Fact 1: Significant mental health disorders in young children can and do occur. At a young age, children might exhibit apparent symptoms of anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and neurological difficulties such as autism. Since young children respond to and process emotional experiences and traumatic situations in ways that adults and older children do not, hence early childhood diagnosis is significantly more challenging than adult diagnosis.
Myth 2: People suffering from mental health issues are always violent
Fact 2: Individuals suffering from a major mental disorder are responsible for only 3%-5% of violent acts. In fact, those with serious mental illnesses are more than ten times more likely than the average population to be victims of a violent crime. Only a few people suffering from a psychotic illness like schizophrenia are violent, but they are more likely to harm themselves than others. According to research, there is little link between mental illness and violence.
Myth 3: Teenagers' mental health isn't a issue as they simply have mood swings induced by hormone imbalances and act out for attention.
Fact 3: Teenagers frequently experience mood fluctuations, but this does not rule out the possibility that they are also struggling with their mental health. Around fourteen percent of the world's teens have mental-health issues. Suicide is the fifth most common cause of death among those aged 10-15 worldwide, and the fourth most common cause of death among teenagers aged 15-19.
Myth 4:There is nothing I can do to assist someone suffering from a mental illness.
Fact 4: There are numerous ways you can assist someone:
Let them know you're available if they need you.
Assist them in locating the mental health services they require.
Discover what they are going through.
Respectfully treat them and don’t disregard their issues. Don't label them as "crazy."
Show your support in ways that people can comprehend.
Don't abandon them; lend them a helping hand.
Myth 5: Mental disease cannot be avoided.
Fact: It is not always possible to avoid developing mental health issues. However, you may address and limit the risk factors that you or a loved one may have:
Try to limit your exposure to trauma - If you or a loved one is subjected to a traumatic situation, seek immediate assistance. Early therapy can help to avoid more serious problems in the future.
Reduce your stress: A stressful environment might have a negative impact on your mental health.
Put oneself in favorable conditions - Stay away from negative people and instead surround yourself with people who are healthy and have a positive attitude toward life.
Follow a healthy lifestyle - Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. These simple self-care techniques can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself and how you behave.
Myth 6: A mental health problem indicates weakness.
Fact 6: Having a mental illness has nothing to do with being weak or lacking willpower. It is not something that people can control. A mental health disorder can affect everyone. Many variables influence mental health, including:
The chemistry of the brain: The quantities of certain substances (some research suggests quantities of serotonin and dopamine, but it's not yet proven) in your brain can influence how it functions.
Injuries or diseases: Long-term illness or injury can have an impact on your mental health.
Experiential learning: Going through a terrible experience or having a severely demanding career or home life are examples of this.
Family: Having a parent who suffers from a mental illness may raise your chances of developing one yourself.
The stigma associated with mental illness prevents people from receiving the necessary care and support. They avoid seeking treatment because they are terrified of what others will think of them, which deteriorates their condition. Some have even committed suicide because the stigma of mental illness prevented them from getting care. As a community, we should work to dispel these beliefs so that people feel safe seeking help. I hope my blog has helped to dispel some of your beliefs about mental health.
Written by : Tarleen
Busted: 7 myths about mental health. (n.d.). UNICEF Parenting. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/busted-7-myths-about-mental-health
Frontier Behavioral Health. (2018b, November 15). Myths & Facts about Mental Illness. https://fbhwa.org/facts/about-behavioral-health/myths-facts-about-mental-illness
Mental health myths and facts. (n.d.). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/myths-and-facts
Rice, A. (2023). Mental Health myths: Stop the stigma. familydoctor.org. https://familydoctor.org/mental-health-myths-stop-stigma/
What causes mental health problems? (n.d.). Mind. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/causes/#:~:text=Some%20research%20suggests%20that%20mental,health%20problems%20are%20very%20weak.
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