Five Common Misconceptions Surrounding Mental Health

Im sure you've all heard someone tell you to "just cheer up, everyone feels this way sometimes." It seems like lots of people tend to think that mental health isn't important; everyone is sad and you just need to be happier. However, it isn't this simple, not at all. In fact, mental health issues are a very common, yet seemingly stigmatized in our modern world. In my years in the field, I have become privy to many misconceptions surrounding mental health. If I were to list them all, this post would be ten thousand words long, so instead I am going to the list the five that I believe are the most common, and most harmful to those struggling.

1. Mental health struggles are a sign of weakness.

   - I have heard this sentiment hundreds of times, and I always take the time to explain on the contrary. This belief could not be further from the truth. Mental health struggles aren't a conscious a choice, they aren't a sign of a weak mind, or a lack of resolve. Mental health issues can effect any member of society, no matter how old, popular or wealthy. This idea of weakness is very harmful, convincing many people to not seek help, instead bottling these feelings inside. To me, understanding the problem and seeking help is the single most brave thing anyone can do in this situation.

2. Therapy is only for those with serious mental illnesses.

   - Therapy can be beneficial to everyone, no matter how serious your struggle. While therapy is certainly essential to help those with more serious mental health struggles, it can also be a useful tool to help you navigate the struggles of daily life, including work and relationships. Therapy, much like a gym, can help to strengthen your brain. Consistent therapy can help to open new neural pathways, expanding your brains ability to grow.

3. Children don't experience mental health struggles.

   - Mental health struggles don't discriminate, and these issues aren't only relegated to effecting adults. As a matter of fact, most adults with mental health issues can trace their problems back to their younger years, often between the ages of 14 and 17. In a recent NIMH report, experts found that around 50 percent of adolescents have some form of mental health illness. So no, mental illness is certainly not an adult-only struggle, and these children's issues are just as pertinent as any on else's.

4. People who have a mental illness are dangerous or violent.

   - People who are struggling with mental health are often depicted as violent or deranged, harming others perception of true mental health struggles. People afflicted with serious mental conditions are very rarely violent, with only 3 percent of violent crimes being committed by them. As well, of the small percentage of violent criminals who have mental illnesses, even less commit these crimes as direct results of their symptoms. The truth is, those who struggle with mental illnesses are more likely to become the victim of violent crime then the perpetrator. So, instead of fearing them, we should seek to help them.

5. Mental health struggles are a lifelong affliction

   - Many people seem to believe that a mental illness diagnosis is dooming them for life, believing they can never find effective treatment. This, however, could not be further from the truth. Almost every single mental health affliction can be treated with the appropriate therapy and medication. With proper treatment and support, people with mental illnesses can live fulfilling and productive lives.

So, there you are. Five of the most common misconceptions that I have heard surrounding mental illness. In writing this post, I hope you inform you readers on the truth. It seems to me that mental health can still be a taboo topic, and many people won't seek help, falling in to one of these traps. It has been my goal to improve mental health communication, and these blog posts are some of my first steps. If you have an other questions you'd like me to answer, please reach out to the socials on my account.

Thank you all for reading!