Written by In psychology, mental health refers to the state of feeling emotionally, psychologically, and socially healthy. We define mental health as the state of being emotionally, psychologically, and socially well. This influences our thinking, feeling, and behaviour. It also helps determine how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make choices in our daily lives. There are several mental health myths and facts you should know.
Mental health enables people to use their talents, be more productive, make decisions and be active in their communities. Are you able to distinguish between myths and facts about mental health? Learn the truth about common myths about mental health.
Myth: Mental health issues can’t affect me.
Fact: Mental health problems affect everyone. Mental health problems are actually quite common. Around 2020:
The prevalence of mental illness in the United States is estimated at one in five.
One in six young adults suffers from major depressive disorder
1 in 20 Americans have a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder
The rate of suicide is highest in the U.S. compared to other countries in the world. In fact, it is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24. killed more than 45,979 Americans in 2020; that’s almost double the number killed in homicides. Learn more about mental health issues.
Myth: Children don’t have mental health problems.
Fact: Even very young children can show early warning signs of mental health problems. These mental health problems can often be diagnosed clinically and may be the result of an interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Half of all mental disorders have their first symptoms before the age of 14, and three-quarters of mental disorders begin before the age of 24.
Unfortunately, half of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems do not receive the treatment they need. The prevention of mental health problems early in a child’s development can be very beneficial.
Myth: Mentally ill people are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: Most people with mental health problems are no worse than others. Most people with mental illness do not use violence, and only 3-5% of violence can be attributed to a person with severe mental illness. In fact, people with serious mental illness are 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population. You may know someone with a mental health problem without realizing it, as many people with mental health problems are very active and productive members of our society.
Myth: People with mental health needs, even those with mental illness, can’t handle the pressure to keep a job.
Fact: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other workers. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report attendance, punctuality, motivation, work quality and employment for the same or longer periods than other workers.
If employees with mental health problems are treated effectively, this can lead to:
Reduced overall medical costs
Improved efficiency
Reduced absenteeism
Reduced opening costs
Myth: Character weakness or character flaws can lead to mental health problems.
Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with laziness or weakness, and many people need help to get better.
There are several factors that can cause mental health problems, including: the interactions between genes, physical illnesses, and injuries, as well as the chemical composition of the brain.
Life experiences such as a history of trauma or abuse can also cause mental illness. Another factor is a family history of mental health problems
Myth: Mental health problems cannot be cured. When a friend or family member has a mental health problem, they will never get better.
Fact: Research shows that people with mental health problems do recover, and many do.
In 70-90% of cases, mental health disorders are treated properly, and symptoms are significantly reduced.
Myth: Therapy and self-help don’t work and are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just use medicine?
Fact: Treatment for mental health problems varies from person to person and may include medication, therapy, or both.
Rehabilitation is the process by which people can live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. More community-based treatment, service and support systems exist and operate than ever before.
Many serve as a support system during recovery and after recovery.
Myth: I can’t do anything for people with mental health problems.
Fact: Friends and loved ones can make all the difference. In 2020, only 20% of adults had received any form of mental health treatment in the past year, and 10% of those had received professional counselling or therapy.
Friends and family members can help someone get the treatment and services they need in the following ways:
- Reach out to them and let them know you’re willing to help them access mental health services.
- Learn and share the facts about mental health.
- Treat them with respect as you would treat others
- Refuse to identify them by diagnosis or using labels like “crazy” and instead use the language of the person first.
Myth: Prevention doesn’t work. Mental illness cannot be prevented.
Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders focuses on addressing certain risk factors in children, youth, and young adults, such as exposure to trauma, that may affect their chances of developing mental health problems.
Promoting the socio-emotional well-being of children and young people results in:
- Higher overall productivity
- Better training results
- Low crime.
- A stronger economy
- Reduce healthcare costs
- Improve the quality of life
- Increase in age
- Improve family life
Now you know the important mental health myths and facts that you should know. It is crucial to maintain mental health throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In many cases, a person’s mental health is measured by how well they can cope with everyday stressors.
Also Read: What you must do if you want to stay healthy
