There are numerous campaigns nowadays emphasizing that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. Yet, many of us still see it as a taboo topic that’s rarely talked about openly.
That’s why there are still misconceptions and misinformation about mental health, leading people to believe things that are simply not true. When it comes to mental health, what we don’t know can not only hurt ourselves, but also other people–including the ones around us.
Even though we have access to the internet, not all information about mental health is necessarily accurate. The thing is that myths related to mental health are still believed, which is why we are here now. Here are five common misconceptions about mental health.
Myth 1: Mental Health Issues Are a Sign of Weakness
The truth: People who are mentally struggling are not weak. Mental health issues are not about weakness or flaw; it has nothing to do with it. Many factors can contribute to cognitive problems, including genetics, environmental factors, and other influences.
“Just as we don’t see someone with the flu as weak, mental health challenges don’t define a person. Seeking help when struggling is a sign of resilience and strength,” quoted from the American Psychiatric Association.
Many people feel pressured by their surroundings when it comes to their emotions. They’re forced only to show how strong they are, ignore their emotional struggles, and be tough. It’s like they’re taught to hide their genuine emotions.
Hiding those feelings can make things worse; reaching out for support can actually help them toward healing.
Myth 2: Teenagers Are Just Moody
The truth: Mood swings are a regular part of being a teen–even adults. But it doesn’t mean real mental health issues don’t exist at the same time. It could be a sign.
According to UNICEF, about 14% of adolescents around the world experience mental health disorders.
Even more concerning: suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among teens aged 15–19. Half of all mental health conditions begin by the age of 14, yet most people fail to detect and treat these symptoms early.
Also, the Pavilion reported that around half of all adults with mental health disorders first showed symptoms before the age of 14, and 75 percent of mental illnesses begin before a person reaches 24.
If we see the pattern of these reports, mental health could show up from a young age. That’s why parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults who interact with children and teens should recognize the signs of mental illness and help young people get treatment right away.
Myth 3: Good Students Can’t Be Depressed
The truth: Depression and anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of how “perfect” their life looks on the outside. Some students may appear to be doing fine but are quietly struggling with pressure, loneliness, or emotional pain.
“Young people doing well in school may feel pressure to succeed, which can cause anxiety, or they may have challenges at home,” quoted from UNICEF Parenting.
High-achieving students are not immune to mental health challenges, and in fact, the pressure to succeed can be a significant trigger for stress. It’s also happened to the older who seem to have perfect lives (jobs, family, relationships), things that made them look ‘perfect’ could be a trigger for their mental issues.
Myth 4: Therapy Is Only for Severe Illness
The truth: Therapy can be beneficial for anyone, not just those with mental illness.
Therapy is an essential tool not only for treating conditions such as depression and anxiety but also for navigating the daily stressors of life, including work and relationships.
In the mental health area, therapy helps the brain connections and ways of thinking, a robust process called neuroplasticity. It shows how our minds can keep learning, changing, and growing over time.
Myth 5: Mental Illness Equals Violence
This misconception can be dangerous because it causes people to judge unfairly and possibly create a new crime.
The truth: Instead of being violent to others, people with mental health disorders are more likely to harm themselves or be harmed by another person than they are to cause harm to other people.
Although the media is often swift to connect mental illness and mass shootings, hate is not a mental illness. Instead, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reported that only about five percent of violent crimes in the United States are perpetrated by people with mental health disorders.
