In 2022, many people still believe in the common myths about mental health disorders. Due to the ongoing prevalence of these myths, people may avoid or delay seeking the treatment they or someone they love need due to fear of being treated differently,
The discrimination, stigma, and prejudice against individuals with mental health disorders can be subtle, minor, or prominent. No matter its magnitude, false information, and belief against health issues, especially mental health, can lead to harm.
Understanding and getting to know the truth behind mental health, mental illnesses, and the myths that surround them can help address and eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health.
Myth 1: Mental Health Disorders Aren’t Real
The many mental health articles on MyHealth1st and other sites like the BuzzRX Bee blog wouldn't have any purpose if mental health disorders didn't exist. Mental health disorders are real and affecting a lot of people. Despite this fact, there are still numerous people who think that those with mental health illnesses are merely "faking" it.
Just like a flu or stomach ache, mental health issues are real and an issue faced by nearly one in two Australians. Symptoms and experiences that people with mental health issues face may seem out of this world for you, but that doesn’t negate that reality for the person living with a mental health condition.
Myth 2: Children and Teenagers Can’t Get Disorders
If you look at the DSM-5-TR or the up-to-date criteria for diagnosing mental health disorders, you can see a specific section for children. It’s because children can be diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Conduct Disorder (CD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Adjustment Disorders, and many more.
Myth 3: Therapy for a Mental Health Condition is a Waste of Time
When treating mental health conditions, seeing a psychologist, an accredited mental health professional, can track your recovery and guide you to healing. Going to therapy isn’t a waste of time - quite the opposite in fact. Even if a person takes medication for their mental health condition, such as antidepressants for depression, or antianxiety meds for anxiety, seeing a psychologist can help a person recognise and deal with triggers for their condition and learn techniques to alleviate or minimise symptoms.
Myth 4: Only Weak People Have Mental Health Difficulties
Having a mental health issue or episode does not mean a person is somehow weak or broken. One in five (20%) of Australians aged between 16 and 85 have experienced a mental health disorder within the last 12 months. It’s all but guaranteed that you know someone who has a mental health condition, and it’s a flip of a coin as to whether you will experience mental health difficulties during your life.
If you experience mental issues or have a friend who experiences these problems, it doesn’t mean that you or your friend is weak. It also doesn’t mean that strangers on the street are weak. Numerous factors contribute to mental health, including:
- Your brain chemistry can affect your mental health.
- What you experience in life can also contribute to shaping your mental health. These experiences include going through traumatic events, stressful environments, or home life.
- Your genes and family history also contribute to your mental health. If you have a parent or a family member that has a mental health condition, it may increase the risk of having one.
Myth 5: Prayer Is the Cure for Disorders.
Mental health is a part of your overall health, making it something that you have to take care of. Using a medication regime and proper treatment supervised by a licensed professional can help treat mental health conditions.
Prayer may have a calming effect on a believer, but it is not a cure for any illness, including mental illness. Feel free to pray, but don’t allow prayer to take the place of clinically proven and effective medical treatments.
Myth 6: Mental Health Disorders Aren’t That Common.
Contrary to common myths, mental health disorders and problems are very common. Statistics show that 46% of Australians will experience a mental health condition between the ages of 16 and 85. One in five Australians are likely to experience a mental illness in a given year.
Myth 7: Those With Disorders Are Dangerous and Violent.
In the US, where gun violence is common, mental health is often used as an excuse for massacres. Thankfully this is not the case in Australia. Not only do we not have such a problem with gun violence, mental health is not used as a crutch to excuse violent behaviour for the most part.
Myth 8: A Mental Health Condition Will Continue To Haunt You
While some mental health conditions are transitory or acute, some may be chronic and long lasting. While there may not be a “cure” for mental illness, with proper treatment and learning techniques to avoid triggers and deal with symptoms people with a mental health condition can live a full life.
If you or someone you love is experiencing difficulties and may be dealing with mental health, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with a psychologist or doctor. Your GP can put together a document called a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) that gives all Australians with a valid Medicare card access to a number of Medicare subsidised appointments with a mental health professional.
The fastest and easiest way to search for and book healthcare appointments online is at MyHealth1st.com.au