7 Common myths of mental illness

Myth 1: Mental Illnesses Are Not Real Illnesses

Mental health issues need an accurate diagnosis by a professional, not to be ignored as just imagination. These diseases impact brain function and physical health as significantly as ordinary diseases. Key factors include biological and psychological parameters.

• Genetics: There are indeed various factors that put a person at a higher risk of developing a mental disorder one of them being history.
• Chemical Imbalance: This can manifest itself in the form of a Neurotransmitter, a shift in moods as well as behavior due to the drugs that may have been administered.
• Brain Structure: This corresponds with the idea that the morphological characteristics of a brain may contain the mark of how prone a person is to specific types of illness.
• Trauma: This is because mental or psychological trauma and stress can lead to mild sickness or, in severe cases, bring about specific disorders.
• Environment: Socio-economic status, life experience, and toxin level are variables that are a direct influence on the mental health state.

Myth 2: People With Mental Illness Are Violent And Unpredictable

The second myth is mentally ill people are aggressive or even violent, and this is perhaps one of the largest mental health myths. Indeed, different forms of violence lead to mental disorders in most cases.

However, to some extent, there is a relatively higher risk of violence in conditions such as severe, untreated psychosis or where the person has substance use disorder.

However, it is significant to note that such situations are not always very common; moreover, in most situations, they are due to a lack of access to health facilities and primary care.

How To Overcome Violence If Someone Is Having Severe Mental Illness?

• Seek Immediate Medical Help: Call psychologists, psychiatrists, or other help emergency lines or call emergency services.
• Stay Calm: Start the interaction with the person calmly and without appearing to pose any threat.
• Create A Safe Environment: Any item that may cause danger to the life of the patient should be taken away from the vicinity of the patient.
• Do Not Confront Or Argue: Make the language used patronizing and comforting.

Myth 3: Mental Health Issues Signal Weakness

Depression or anxiety doesn't indicate weakness; they are among the toughest battles one can face. Here is why:

• It implies a lot of bravery and self-recognition to admit that one needs assistance.
• Living a daily life and also dealing with mental disorders can be so stressful to the mind and body.
• As the issues of mental health remain a taboo in many societies, people have to prove their endurance and determination.
• Managing the coping skills and following the given treatment plans requires one’s time and commitment.

Myth 4: Mental Illness Can Be Overcome With Willpower Alone

Mental health conditions are serious and can rarely be resolved through determination. Professional help and therapy are crucial in managing and treating these issues. Trained professionals can provide the necessary support and tailored strategies for recovery.

Alongside professional treatment, supplements like Cogniultra can enhance cognitive support, helping to maintain mental clarity and focus. Developed with clinically proven ingredients, Cogniultra supports overall brain health, complementing therapeutic interventions effectively.

Myth 5: Young People Experience Phases; It's Not A Mental Health Issue

It is unhelpful when young people’s mental health issues are written off as just phases they are going through. The youths are mentally ill sometimes, and many of them begin to exhibit symptoms before they are 14 years old.

Such issues should not be ignored; the management should attend to them as soon as they are identified. Failure to receive sufficient care for teenagers will cause future problems this is why early diagnosis is of uttermost importance.

If addressed with the necessary importance given to them, the latter can significantly improve young persons lot.

Myth 6: Therapy And Counseling Are Only For Severe Cases

Psychotherapy and counseling can be helpful for almost any mental health disorder, not only the severe ones. Such help can be given in cases of day-to-day stress, anxiety disorders, marital problems, and self-development.

It is very important because when a person agrees to go for therapy before he begins having worse problems with his mental health, his condition will be much better.

If disorders are tackled at their roots, people get proper support and ways to deal with problems, strengthen a person, and improve his/her quality of life.

This paper appreciates the importance of Therapy in treating clients who are suffering from different mental health disorders but with different degrees of intensity.

Myth 7: Recovery Is Impossible; Once Diagnosed, Always Afflicted

It is a misconception, and a negative one at that to have regarding people. Mental health conditions do not have to prevent one from having a good and productive life and with the right care, many people with mental health issues can live an okay life.

Therapies, medication, social support, and early intervention enhance the rate of recovery in patients with mental health conditions. At the same time, with proper treatment, many can be cured in a short time and prevent symptom flare-ups.

This is why people experiencing such issues desperately need to find support and help, and the community must be arranged to provide that.