All of us know someone who has experienced a mental illness – but we may not know we know!
Though mental illnesses are common, people resist seeking help. This resistance often stems from beliefs and misconceptions held by society that have gone uncorrected, which in turn fuel stigma and discriminate against those battling an illness.
It’s important to understand and propagate facts, take help ourselves if needed, and support and encourage others to seek help for themselves.
Myth 1: Mental illnesses aren’t ‘real’ illnesses
Fact: Mental illnesses are not the regular ups and downs of life we all go through. Mental illnesses cause distress and affect ones functioning. They do not go away on their own and require to be treated.
Biological aspects, life experiences and a strong family history are some of the contributing factors to developing mental health problems.
Telling people who are suffering to ‘try harder’ or ‘move on’ from their symptoms will only make them feel alone and misunderstood. Mental illnesses are real illnesses and cannot be willed away.
Myth 2: Having a mental illness means you are “crazy”
Fact: It’s simple – having a mental illness does not mean one is “crazy”. It only means that the person is vulnerable and has an illness with challenging symptoms, just as anybody else could develop.
Mental illness may alter thinking patterns, affect ones mood and distort perceptions of reality. However, that does not qualify as being “crazy”. Each of us is susceptible to sickness, and everyone has the right to seek help without judgment.
Myth 3: Mental illnesses are rare
Fact: Studies suggest that over 20% of India’s population has suffered some form of mental illness at some point through their life. Simply put, if you’re in a group of five friends, one of you is likely to have a mental health concern. Mental illnesses are very common.
Myth 4: People with mental illnesses are dangerous and violent
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health concerns are no more likely to be violent than anybody else. Some mental illnesses do alter one’s sense of judgment and perception, but it is found that less than 5% of violent acts in society are caused by people with mental illnesses.
It is very likely that we all know someone with a mental illness, but may not have realized it. There is no reason to fear a person with a mental illness.
Myth 5: People with mental illnesses never recover
Fact: With the right kind of treatment and support, people with mental illnesses often recover and go on to lead healthy, productive lives. Some recover fully, while others may require ongoing treatment throughout their lives. This is the same as many physical illnesses, like diabetes or heart disease.
Treatment may include medication or psychotherapy, or a well-balanced combination of both, which is found to provide the most long standing benefits.
Myth 6: People who experience mental illnesses can’t work
Fact: Whether you realize it or not, workplaces are filled with people who have experienced mental illnesses. People with mental health problems, who are being appropriately treated, are just as productive as other employees.
Also, having a job is often beneficial to those living with a mental health issue. It provides structure and a sense of personal purpose. As an employer, you could choose to be supportive.
Myth 7: Children don\’t experience mental health problems
Fact: Mental illnesses may present differently in children than in adults, but they are just as concerning. First signs of many mental disorders become apparent by the age of 14 years, while many others begin before age 24. Very young children may also show early warning signs of mental health concerns.
Myth 8: Only mental health professionals are equipped to help
Fact: It might seem like one person can’t possibly make a difference to society’s stigmatized mindset, but you sure could make some positive difference to at least one life. It may even be the difference that decides between life and death!
Here’s what you could do as a friend or family member:
- Reach out and let them know you are available to help
- Ask twice!
- Listen without judgement
- Help them access mental health services
- Learn and share accurate facts about mental health
- Treat them with respect, just as you would anyone else
- Be inclusive
Seeking appropriate help for a mental health concern is a step forward – for ourselves and for society. We must be prompt with getting treatment for a mental health problem that is not getting better, just as we’d be quick to take care of a medical condition that needed treatment.