Mental Health Myths That Should Be Left In The Past

As the world begins to become more familiar and open about mental health, you can see a shift in priority. You will notice more candidacy when it comes to what’s going on in people’s minds. The truth is, mental health is just as important as your physical health. As people grow older, these are two things that can fade but be maintained with consistent maintenance. Although people are starting to understand the importance of mental health, there are still a few myths and ideologies that should be left in the past. Unfortunately, there are still stigmas attached to mental health conditions that align with an old-fashioned way of thinking. The more true information that gets passed around, the more people can be educated and enlightened. Here are some myths about mental health that should be left in the past.

Mental Health Problems Are Rare

One in four people in the world has battled with mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.

Over 400 million people are suffering from some sort of mental health disorder.

264 million of those people are dealing with depression alone. The numbers have tripled in the last four years.

You Can’t Get A Job With A Mental Health Disorder

For years people have stated that those with mental health issues can’t hold a steady job.

Although it may be true that living with a particularly severe mental health condition might be unable to carry out regular work.

However, the majority of people with mental health issues can be as productive as individuals without mental health disorders.

It’s A Sign Of Weakness

Mental health illnesses are not a sign of weakness or poor character. Think of any mental illness just the same as a physical illness. It takes pure strength to go head to head with either one when things get tough.

Issues With Mental Health Are Permanent

Being diagnosed with a mental disorder doesn’t mean it’s the end of your life. Everyone dealing with mental health issues has a completely different experience.

Some people might experience episodes, between which they return to their version of “normal.”

Others may find treatments, medication, or therapy helpful.

Overextended periods, some may not feel as though they have fully recovered from a mental illness, and some may experience progressively worse symptoms.

Eating Disorders Only Affect Women

Many have heard it all before and even frequently see it in Hollywood.

Typically you will see, white wealthy women, suffering from this disorder. In reality, men in lower-income homes ages 45 and older are the ones suffering from eating disorders.

People Battling Mental Health are Violent

This specific myth must die out as the world becomes more educated. Even people who are experiencing the most serious conditions, such as schizophrenia, are mostly nonviolent. Some people with mental illnesses can in fact become violent, but they are a smaller group of people in the grand scheme.

Mental health conditions can be challenging and different for everyone. Next time you see someone suffering from a mental health condition, challenge yourself to think about what they may be going through and how you can help instead of falling into negative myths and stigmas.