With so many people suffering alone with mental illnesses, we have to ask, why aren’t more people talking about it? Mental Health Awareness Week is here to help encourage those in need to speak up and seek help either from professionals or loved ones.
Here are 5 myths about mental health illnesses people need to stop believing…
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE A SIGN OF WEAKNESS
It’s very much the opposite, anyone who has fought a mental illness knows how tough and draining it can be both physically and mentally. People who cope with mental illness or have done in the past have had to be incredibly tough to win the battle. Popular culture has created this ridiculous stigma that mental illness is a “weakness” which has prevented people speaking out. If someone breaks the arm, that doesn’t make them “weak”.
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE DANGEROUS
Thanks to the media, a myth has been embedded in many people’s minds that those suffering with mental health issues are dangerous and more likely to be violent. In reality, sufferers are more likely to be victims of violence and are statistically more at risk of harming themselves than others. In fact, only 3% of violent acts in the UK are committed by people with mental health illnesses.
MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS WILL RUIN MY LIFE
It’s no secret that living life with mental health issues might make it complicated at times, but the important thing to remember is that your illness doesn’t define you in any way. You find ways to cope and you’ll have people to support you. Some days will be good, some may be a little tough. But your mental health issues shouldn’t control your life.
ONLY CERTAIN TYPES OF PEOPLE SUFFER WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Regardless of a person’s background, appearance, wage, or personality, mental health illnesses can affect anyone. Remember that mental health issues come in many different forms i.e. anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and PTSD. Mental health issues do not discriminate and really any one can be affected regardless of their situation.
MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESSES CAN ONLY BE TREATED WITH DRUGS
Although prescription medication is one way of treating specific types of mental illness and can be effective, there are many other ways to help cope with mental health issues. Counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy are increasingly popular ways of treating mental health issues by addressing problems to their root. It all depends on the person and which method your doctor decides works best for you. You can connect with licensed counsellors online at BetterHelp to treat any mental health issues you are experiencing.
