Misinformation about mental health can spread like a wildfire. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell the difference between facts from fiction. Clearing up these misconceptions can help reduce stigmas and encourage people to seek out the care that they need. Here are some common misconceptions about mental health:
Myth #1: Mental health issues will not affect me.
Fact: Mental illnesses can impact anyone. About one in five Americans report experiencing an issue with their mental health every year.
Myth #2: Children cannot develop a mental illness.
Fact: About half of all mental health disorders show signs before the person turns 14 years old. In addition, about 17% of U.S children between the ages of 2 and 8 are living with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Young children can show early warning signs of potential mental health concerns due to biological, psychological, and/or social factors. Unfortunately, only about half of children with diagnosable mental health issues receive the necessary treatment they need. Early treatment can help prevent symptoms from interfering with other developmental needs.
Myth #3: Teenagers don’t have mental health problems; they are just moody.
Fact: While teenagers can struggle with mood swings, adolescents also experience struggles with their mental health. In fact, about half of all mental illnesses start by the age of 14.
Myth #4: People with mental health conditions are violent.
Fact: People living with a mental illness are no more likely to be violent than anyone else in the general population. In reality, people with a severe mental illness are actually 10 times more likely to be a victim of a violent crime compared to the general population.
Myth #5: People who have a mental illness cannot hold down a job.
Fact: Most people living with a mental health condition are just as productive as any other employee. Employers often are not even aware of which employees are living with a mental illness.
Myth #6: Mental illness is a result of being weak.
Fact: Mental illnesses have absolutely nothing to do with being lazy or weak. However, there are many factors that do increase the likelihood of developing a mental health condition like genes, physical illness, injury, brain chemistry, life experiences, trauma, drug use, and social isolation. It takes a lot of strength and courage to recognize the need for treatment and seek help.
Myth #7: There is no hope for people who have a mental illness, they will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that people with mental health conditions are capable of living long, happy, and healthy lives. There are a lot of options for treatment, services, and community support that can help reduce the experience of symptoms and allow someone living with a mental illness to live a “normal” life.
Myth #8: Therapy is a waste of time when you can just take a pill.
Fact: Treatment for mental illnesses vary depending on the individual. While some people are prescribed medications as part of their treatment, it is oftentimes prescribed along with therapy. A lot of individuals report better outcomes when they participate in therapy in addition to taking their prescribed medications. In addition, there are many people who do not need medication to manage symptoms. Potential treatments can include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and more.
Myth #9: It's impossible to prevent mental health conditions.
Fact: Prevention focuses on addressing known risk factors that may affect an individual’s chance of developing a mental health condition. Strengthening emotional skills, developing social supports, seeking help early on, and having healthy lifestyle patterns can all help to reduce the risk of developing a mental illness.
Myth #10: There is nothing I can do for someone with a mental illness.
Fact: Friends and family can be a major support for people who are living with a mental illness. They can reach out and provide support, help them access mental health services, help them learn self-care and coping strategies, share facts about mental health, and more.
Myth #11: People who have a mental illness are less intelligent.
Fact: Mental illnesses can affect anyone regardless of race, class, income level, or intelligence.
Myth #12: You should only take care of your mental health if you have a mental illness.
Fact: Just like your yearly physical or oil change, everyone can benefit from taking care of their mental health.
Myth #13: Bad parenting causes mental health issues in children.
Fact: Adolescents from loving and supportive homes can experience many difficulties with their mental health. However, caregivers can help play an important role in helping adolescents overcome problems they may experience and seek treatment when necessary.
Myth #14: PTSD is just for veterans.
Fact: Trauma can result from a variety of different experiences. Potential symptoms include having flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, panic attacks, taking precautions to avoid triggers, etc.
Myth #15: Eating disorders only affect women.
Fact: Everyone is capable of experiencing issues with their body image. About 25% of the population who lives with an eating disorder is male.
Myth #16: Mental health disorders are not a real illness.
Fact: Mental health disorders are real illnesses that can greatly impact the lives of those affected.
Myth #17: Mental illnesses are rare.
Fact: People of all ages and all over the world experiences mental health disorders. Unfortunately, mental illnesses can be mistaken for rare because there is a societal norm to not talk about mental health. About 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness.
Negative stereotypes can stop people from getting the treatment they need. Don't let stigmas and misinformation hold you back.
Written By,
Tierney Puig, LPC
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