Given how common mental health disorders are in the United States and around the world, one might expect that people would be fairly knowledgeable about mental illness and its impact on the lives of people with mental health diagnoses. Unfortunately, this is not the case. This is why each May since 1949 has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. At Highland Hospital, in Charleston, West Virginia, we would like to take this time to address some common misconceptions around mental health.
Common Myths About Mental Illness
Myth 1: Mental illness is rare.
It is estimated that more than 23 percent of American adults meet the criteria for a mental health disorder. There are many different types of mental health conditions, with symptoms varying from one person to the next, so what this means for each person depends on their unique needs, resources, and co-occurring disorders. Around 41,000 Americans die by suicide every year, and undiagnosed mental health concerns may be a contributing factor.
Myth 2: Children don’t experience mental illness.
This particular myth is potentially harmful because it can delay treatment for children and adolescents who develop mental health disorders. Many people with mental health disorders first developed symptoms in late childhood or early adolescence. Denying the existence of mental health disorders in kids prolongs their suffering and makes it harder for them to make a full recovery.
Myth 3: Mental illness isn’t real. People are just lazy or have poor morals.
This is a stigmatizing myth that often keeps people from being open about their mental health diagnoses. Promoting the idea that people with mental health conditions just aren’t trying hard enough also promotes guilt and shame, which can undermine recovery.
Myth 4: People with mental illnesses are dangerous.
People who are mentally ill are far more likely to become victims of violence than to perpetuate it, and more likely to become victims of violence than people without mental health disorders. When people with mental health disorders are violent, it is usually in the early stages of their condition, before their symptoms are recognized as a mental health disorder and they are able to receive effective treatment. While it is common for politicians and the media to call for improved mental health services after mass shootings, these events are generally more closely correlated to other factors, including:
- Prior history of violence or recklessness
- Substance misuse
- Recent, painful life events the person is struggling to manage, such as the end of an important relationship, death of a loved one, job loss, conflict with a coworker, intimate partner, friend, or family member, physical ailments, money trouble, or sexual frustration
Myth 5: Only soldiers get post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD can happen to anyone who experiences a horrific event that exceeds their ability to cope. This can include combat, but also many other painful events, such as child abuse, natural disasters, the death of a loved one, and placement in foster care.
Myth 6: Medications for mental health are bad/unnecessary.
People sometimes describe psychiatric meds as an easy way out or accuse parents of doping up their kids when they give them medications for their mental health. While mental health medications can be overprescribed, when given in proper doses, alongside therapy, they can be a very effective way to help a person manage their mental health. For some people, their mental health diagnosis is so severe that they cannot begin to reap the benefits of therapy and other interventions until they have found the correct medication to balance out chemical issues inside their brains.
Myth 7: If you take pills for your mental health, then you don’t need therapy.
While there are a lot of very helpful medications available to help people manage their mental health, it is also often beneficial for people to have an unbiased professional who can listen to their struggles and help them improve their coping skills.
Myth 8: I cannot do anything to help someone who has a mental health disorder.
While you may not be able to diagnose or offer professional treatment for people who are mentally ill, you can still play an important role in supporting people who have mental health conditions. Some examples include:
- Including them in normal activities, even when their mental health is making it difficult for them to enjoy their life the way they would like
- Spending time with them to prevent isolation
- Helping them get connected to mental health supports
- Reminding them to utilize self-care and coping techniques when they are experiencing distress
- Advocating for them when they need help advocating for themselves
At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health, we know that knowledge is power, and we want the people we serve to be surrounded by people with the knowledge and power to support them. Our team is here to help our patients and their loved ones as they navigate mental health recovery together.
