What’s a myth?
It is a widely held belief that is not true. Mental health is an area in which there are extremely high numbers of myths.
Why?
Mental Health is an important part of life, but no one talks about it openly. As a consequence, we have a large number of myths surrounding this all important domain of mental health leading to skewed perspectives among the larger society. In this 2 Part Blog series we are going to bust some of the popular myths surrounding mental health and mental health conditions.
Myth #1: Mental Health Conditions Are Pretty Rare.
What’s the reality?
In general, our society has a perception that mental health conditions are pretty rare. It is not true. However, mental health conditions are rarely shared / reported. According to a WHO study, 1 in 4 people have some mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia etc at some point in time in their lives. In this context, it is extremely important that we create an environment where it is normal to have a conversation about mental health. Else, we create a more dangerous scenario of complicating the condition by avoiding it all together.
Myth #2: Mental Health Conditions Are a Sign of Weakness.
What’s the reality?
Mental Health Conditions / Mental Health Disorders are not a sign of weakness. In general, they occur due to a complicated interplay of genetic, biological, neurological, environmental and psychological factors. Just like we would not consider a person with diabetes as weak, as a society we need to become matured enough to not consider people with mental health conditions as weak. It is in our collective interest!! Else, as a society, our judgment of the people with mental health conditions itself will become an inhibition to address the issue.
Myth #3: People with Mental Health Condition can just “Get out of it”
What’s the reality?
Just like the fact that it would not be advisable for a person who has dislocated his hip bone to get back to normal all by himself or herself, it would not be appropriate for people with mental health conditions to get back to normal by themselves. The main problem here is the visual or physical perception. Since a dislocated pain is accompanied by physical, visual and perceivable pain, it is easy to observe the same and act on it. But, mental health conditions are not perceivable physically / visually in most cases at least in the early stage, which makes the action on the same highly complicated. Just as we are fine with a master health checkup for physical conditions, as a society we should be open to the idea of a simple master mental health checkup to ensure that everything is fine. I understand that it is too disruptive an idea for the present world. But, I am sure, a world with that would be far open and better.
Myth #4: Mental Health Conditions Are Permanent
What’s the reality?
Yes, some mental health conditions are chronic. But, it doesn’t mean that people will experience the symptoms with the same intensity throughout their lives. With right intervention, it is absolutely possible to help people manage their symptoms better and have a fulfilling life. It is important to understand that pursuing mental health and addressing the mental health conditions is a continuous process. With the right resources, environment and intervention, continuous improvement of mental health is absolutely possible. Holding a perspective that the condition is permanent is not going to help!!
To be continued...
