Busting 6 Common Mental Health Myths
There are many misconceptions about mental health. This might be due to lack of education about mental health, or just internalized stigma. But misconceptions can be detrimental for people who struggle with mental illness. So let’s bust some myths to improve your understanding about mental health.
Myth: Mental illness isn’t a real illness.
Fact: A mental illness is a medical condition, often involving a diagnosis. Mental illnesses also often impact physical health – for example, someone with anxiety may also experience insomnia. Mental illness can greatly impact someone’s ability to live their life, and sometimes requires professional treatment.
Myth: People with mental health issues can “snap out of it” if they try hard enough.
Fact: It’s not a choice. If people with mental illnesses could easily snap out of it, they would. Mental illness comes from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It can’t be turned on and off – though it can be treated.
Myth: You only need therapy when you’re in crisis.
Fact: Therapy is helpful whether you’re struggling or not. If you want more in-depth information about this, read my October 2023 column, “The Benefits of Therapy.” But here’s the general gist: It’s great to have someone to talk to; going to therapy can help you combat your internal mental health stigma; and it’s just another tool in your mental health toolbox.
Myth: You can always tell when someone has a mental illness.
Fact: Many people with mental illnesses are high-functioning – or they can still function in their everyday lives, often without people noticing that they’re struggling at all. However, they may still be experiencing symptoms of their mental illness that you can’t see.
Myth: Mental health problems are rare.
Fact: This couldn’t be further from true. Over 1/5 of Americans have a mental illness. Half of the world’s population will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime, according to research. And not all mental health problems are diagnosable; many people struggle with their mental health without having an “official” disorder. These are real mental health problems as well.
Myth: Talking about your mental health will make other people uncomfortable.
Fact: Well, this one may be true sometimes. I joke that I’m such an open book that I’ll talk about mental health around anyone, and it may make people uncomfortable. But the only way to beat the stigma around mental health is to talk about it more often. It may make some people uncomfortable at first, but the more open you are, the more you’ll encourage others to be open as well. Then this one will be 100% a myth.
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