Busting 10 Mental Illness Myths

There are a lot of mental illness myths that help in perpetuating the stigma and therefore make it difficult for those suffering from a mental illness to seek support and treatment. Common mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. Here are 10 mental illness myths that need to be busted.

Myth #1 A mental illness isn’t a real illness

The idea that a mental illness isn’t really an actual illness manifests itself in beliefs that it is as a result of witchcraft where the affected party is either a witch or the victim of one or is as a result of a curse where the affected party is paying for their sins or those of their family. This is a myth as mental illnesses are indeed illnesses with scientific backing and people affected by them need to see a medical professional to receive treatment.

Myth #2 Mental illnesses are rare

This myth is due to the fact that a lot of people visualize mental illnesses in their extremes, not realizing that they manifest at different levels. 1 in 4 people suffers from a mental illness. That is in no definition rare.

Myth #3 Mental illness cannot affect me

This is a myth as the chances are 1 in 4. There is no way to 100% predict that you will never suffer from a mental illness at some point in your life. Just as there is no way to predict you will never be in a car accident.

Myth #4 Mental illnesses only affect women and the elderly

This myth is largely due to the patriarchal structure of society that encourages an alpha male kind of manhood where any weakness especially of the seemingly emotional type is frowned upon. Is it any wonder that young men have the highest rate of suicide? Mental illness isn’t a gendered illness.

Myth #5 Children cannot have a mental illness

This myth ties in to the one above. A broody adolescent can be just that or can be suffering from depression. A lot of adults who suffer from a mental illness say that it started in their childhood but it didn’t get diagnosed until they were adults.

Myth #6 People with a mental illness are violent

This myth has been popularized by popular entertainment. Quite a number of violent acts in films/TV are chalked up to mental illnesses. This is false as people with a mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators of it and even when violent, are more likely to harm themselves than harm others.

Myth #7 People with a mental illness cannot be productive at work

This myth is busted by the fact that there are quite a number of successful people with a mental illness. With support and the right treatment, people suffering from a mental illness live a relatively normal life. In fact, most people with a mental illness would have to tell you they have one otherwise you’d never know.

Myth #8 A mental illness is a sign of weakness and inability to handle stress

Stress can be a trigger for a mental illness especially depression and anxiety disorders. This however, is only one thing. Mental illness is a combination of brain chemistry, genetics and environment.

Myth #9 People with a mental illness can get better if they will themselves to

Mental illness can’t be switched on and off at will. Just as someone with a broken leg can’t ‘unbreak’ their leg through sheer willpower, a person with a mental illness can’t reverse their condition simply because they want to.

Myth #10 People with a mental illness cannot recover and must be kept in the hospital or home

People suffering from a mental illness have their own unique experience. Some people suffer from a mental illness once in their life and are able to fully recover. Some people have season like symptoms where their illness is more intense at some times and then almost disappears at others. Some have an almost daily battle with their illness and require more support. Whichever way, majority of those suffering from a mental illness are able to manage their illness and live a healthy life through therapy as well as the right medication. Those who have been hospitalized can also lead normal lives if given the right support.