myths about your mental health

Introduction

Over the years, we’ve seen the stigma of mental health be reduced over time. But even with such advanced treatment and knowledge, many myths and misconceptions about mental illness and psychological disorders still persist. Such examples are :-

Mental Health Disorders are contagious

We all remember hearing the tales from the 50’s when people showing signs of depression or anxiety were labelled “crazy” or “lunatics” who had to be locked away in an asylum so as to “not catch their disease”. But that myth is not true.

Psychological disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors and are very much subjective.

Mental health problems are uncommon

We usually hear a lot of people, especially from the older generation, that mental health never existed until today. And that “youngsters” especially Gen-Z are just following a non-sensical social media trend. But this is completely incorrect.

In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that “1 in 4 people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.” And that mental disorders are among the leading causes of ill health and disability, currently affecting 450 million people worldwide.

Mental Health Disorders are a lifestyle

All of people think that having psychological disorders such as eating disorders and depression is a personal choice a person makes on a random Tuesday because some kid on the internet said that it was “hype”. But this is a very harmful myth.

In 2017, over 3.3 million healthy life years were lost to eating disorder-related disability worldwide. Such mental health problems are actually very serious conditions and not a lifestyle any person wishes to choose. So if not given enough importance, it may be even fatal. 

Mental health disorders only occur in adults.

Many people have a common misconception that kids are too young to deal with mental health problems and hence, do not need to learn about it. But this is actually a very dangerous misconception.

Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.

Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among most teenagers.

People with Mental Health Problems are “weak”

The most common misconception almost everyone has had is that people struggling with psychological disorders are just showing signs of weaknesses and aren’t strong enough to deal with the real-life problems. This gross myth could not be farther from the truth.

People with mental health problems have been strong enough to face their battles and have made it alive, even after every voice in their head to them to give up. The fact that these people are still alive and breathing is a sign of courage and bravery. Getting up every day is a task at itself and the society needs to appreciate them more for their courage and patience.

conclusion

Myths about mental health contribute to stigma, preventing people from seeking the help they need. By spreading awareness and encouraging open conversations, we can create a society where mental well-being is prioritized and understood. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and everyone deserves support without judgment.

- Meraki Minds 

this is an image i found on the internet that tells us how important mental health is and it should not be something to make fun about. so be kind and respect everyone .