Mental health is frequently misunderstood. Often, mental illness does not receive the same empathy as physical illness. People have false beliefs about mental health, which are hurtful to people who live with mental illness. Society perpetuates these myths. We see it in the media, hear it in conversations, and feel it in the workplace. Let’s look at some of these myths.
One myth about mental health that exists is that mental illness is a result of a personality weakness or a character flaw. This could not be further from the truth. Mental health issues are a result of illness. A person does not choose to have a mental illness. A person with a mental illness is not weak. They have an illness just like a person with heart disease or cancer has an illness.
Another myth about mental illness is that it won’t affect you. Mental illness can affect anyone. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) in 2020 approximately 1 in 5 American adults experienced a mental health condition and 1 in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness. Suicide is a leading cause of death in America. According to SAMHSA more lives were lost to suicide in 2020 than to homicide.
People often falsely believe that people with mental illness are violent. The truth is people with mental illness are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Sadly, people with mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violence than they are to be violent.
Another myth is that people with mental illness cannot hold down a job. I can personally attest to the falseness of this statement. I have worked my entire adult life. I have an advanced degree and I was a teacher for 26 plus years. It was actually a physical illness, cancer, that has resulted in me not being able to work. Most of the time an employer does not even know when an employee has a mental illness.
It is also a myth that children don’t develop mental illness. In the case of nearly half of all mental illnesses there are signs before age 14. Young people can suffer from depression and anxiety. They can experience mental illness. The myth that children don’t experience mental illness results in many children not receiving the treatment they need.
It is also a myth that there is no hope for individuals with a mental illness. People with mental illness can recover. They can experience healing. This doesn’t mean that the mental illness disappears. With treatment a person can live a full and productive life with mental illness.
Another myth is that loved ones and friends can’t do anything to help a person with mental illness. There are many ways loved ones and friends can support a person with mental illness. For more information on ways this can be done read my article on the topic at this link: https://namiglendale.org/support-a-loved-one-living-with-mental-illness/
Overcoming the myths surrounding mental illness is a difficult task, but a necessary one. These myths make it difficult for people with mental illness. Our illnesses are difficult enough without the stigma caused by these myths. We need to raise awareness and start conversations about mental health. Treatment for mental health needs to be normalized. People with mental illness have an illness. They are not weak or lazy. They need treatment and understanding. Mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health. We need to rise above the myths and support people with mental illness.
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