Mental Health Awareness Week 2022- Debunking mental illness myths and the facts that refute them
Even though we are much better at talking about mental health than we used to be there is still a stigma around such topics. This leads to a huge number of myths around the issue. So, for blog post number three, I thought I would debunk some of the myths and provide some truths around the issues. It is so important to talk about these issues and remove the stigma around talking about mental health!!
1. Mental Health problems are not that common and don’t affect me.
This is a complete lie. In fact, it is very much the opposite. About 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health issue per year! On top of this ever 1 in 25 has a serious mental health disorder (i.e., major depression, bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, etc). This shows how mental health issues can be so common- you are very likely to experience some form of mental health problems in your lifetime so the topic of mental health very much effects you! On top of this, even if you are lucky enough to never have any issues with your mental health, it is very likely that your friends and loved ones may have issues. Consequently, it is so important to be clued up on mental health and well-being so you can support yourself and your friends.
2. Mental Health Problems are a sign of Weakness
Mental health issues are nothing to do with how strong or weak you are. It is a medical problem, just like if you broke a bone or got an infection. If you need help with your mental health, you are definitely not weak. Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength! Many factors can influence your mental health including:
- Your genes and brain chemistry
- Your life experiences
- Your family history
All those factors are nothing to do with your strength as an individual. Never let anyone tell you otherwise!!
3. Once you develop a mental health condition, you will never recover and have it for the rest of your life.
Mental health does not stay the same. It fluctuates over the course of your life with many different factors influencing and changing it. Therefore, it is false to say that it will stay the same. With treatment, a lot of the problems you develop are temporary and with a good treatment plan to help you to work through your problems you will recover. This doesn’t necessary always mean the problem with always go away completely but even if it doesn’t go away entirely you can learn how to manage it and live your best life!! :)
4. Therapy is a waste of time
Therapy may sometimes not work for you or be effective in your treatment plan but by no means is it a waste of time. Therapy can be such a useful tool in helping with mental health problems. Not only if you have mental health problems, but therapy can also be a useful tool just to maintain healthy mental health. I am a big advocate of going to therapy- it has been very useful for me in the past and I guarantee if you spend the time finding a therapist you click with it can be a very useful for you as well.
5. There is absolutely nothing you can do to help someone with a mental health problems
There are so many things you can do to support friends, family and loved ones if they have a mental health problem and you would like to help them:
Let them know that you are there for them. They may never take you up on the offer but letting them know the option is there is super important.
Learn about what they are going through. If your person does open up to you about what they are going through, do your own research on the mental health problem they are experiencing so you understand their symptoms and how you might be able to assist them.
Treat them and their problems with respect. Just because you struggle to understand it does not make their issues any less valid. Do not call them “crazy” or invalidate their concerns. Keep an open mind and always make them feel heard.
Don’t give up on people. Sometimes people going through mental health problems can push you away and it’s very important to stick it out and help them through it, through thick and thin. Always be there if/when they need you!
Help them find mental health services that can help them. Sometimes you won’t be able to do much to help them personally but even then, supporting them to find mental health services that can help them is super important!
Stigma around mental illness can prevent people from getting the help they need. So hopefully by breaking the stigma we can encourage people to speak up when they need help. Do not be afraid to ask for help! Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. Being aware of mental health issues/ learning truth around the issues/ breaking the stigma, can all help you and others! It can even save lives.
