I thought it important today to dispel the most common myths about mental health illnesses as their negative impact is greatly underestimated.

Myths are based on old-fashioned thinking, outdated assumptions, and a lack of education and awareness. They create and sustain stigma and discrimination; they prevent people from seeking support.

Just a quick reminder: a mental health illness is abnormalities in our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Not very long ago, people with mental health issues were shunned by society and viewed to be feared. Honestly, I’m not sure much of this has changed.

The first beneficial action may be to look internally. Have you ever stopped to think about your first thought when you meet someone with a mental health issue or simply hear about someone’s struggles? Do you view them differently? Judge or fear them? Or, are you equipped to healthily deal with that situation?
Let’s hope you may be from now on as we dispel some of these misunderstandings and stereotypes.

1. Myth: Mental health illnesses are uncommon

Fact: The World Health Organization has determined that one in four individuals have a mental health disorder. Yes, that means that if you are in a room with just three persons, at least one of you has or will have a mental health issue. If that’s not common, I don’t know what is. This myth stems from a lack of open, honest, public discussions about these issues.

2. Myth: Only certain types of people can have mental health illnesses

Fact: Mental Health Illnesses do not discriminate based on anything and the risk factors are just as common as the illnesses themselves. These include family history, trauma, major life stresses; the list goes on and no one is immune regardless of age, sex, race, socio-economic status, culture, education level, or lifestyle. People believe that if there is a conventionally good life – one with support systems and wealth – that one would automatically be happy and healthy but that’s not how it works. This belief is also obstructive as it may stop people from recognising early warning signs in someone at risk and force people to believe their symptoms are unwarranted and therefore, embarrassed to seek help.

3. Myth: If a person has a mental health condition, it means the person is weak or has low intelligence or low emotional intelligence

Fact: Once again, mental illness, like physical illness, can affect anyone. A mental health condition has nothing to do with weakness, strength or lack of willpower. It is not a condition people choose to have or not have. On the contrary, the self-awareness it takes to recognise a problem and act on it requires more strength and courage than anyone can imagine. Mental health disorders are illnesses, not signs of poor character and should be met with the same support you show anyone with physical ailments.

4. Myth: Children or teenagers cannot have mental health issues

Fact: According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), half of all mental health disorders show first signs before age 14 and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.

This is due to the commonality of the risk factors to which even children are not immune. I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard “No, they just spoilt” when a child has been really suffering. If this belief continues, children won’t receive the help they need and early recognition and support can prevent many developmental issues, which often lead to challenges in the future.

5. Myth: People with mental health problems can’t function regularly in society
Fact: The contrary is actually way more common. There are so many people who function well and go unnoticed than those who do. Even if one is diagnosed with a mental health illness, with the right treatment, he or she can lead productive, social and successful lives both personally and professionally.

6. Myth: Certain mental health illnesses are based on characteristic traits

Fact: Mental Health Issues are not based on character flaw or characteristic attributes.

Each illness has their own stigma when it comes to this myth but two easy examples are “Addiction is just a lack of willpower” or “eating disorders only occur in women.”
Addiction has many risk factors – a major one including family history. Actually, research show that recovery is not more likely due to willpower but rather the development of healthy coping skills which are supported by loved ones and community.

In regards to eating disorders, SAMSHA found that men with eating disorders have been increasing in prevalence every year and account for 25% of eating disorders.

7. Myth: People with mental health problems are scary or dangerous

Fact: Research shows that those with mental health issues are more likely to be subjected to abuse – of any kind- than the average person.
This myth is based on, once again, stereotypes, un-education, and ill-informed media. If we do not change this belief, it creates additional issues for people who are already experiencing challenges and puts affected individuals at an increased risk of danger or violence from others who believe they should be on the offence – which contradicts the myth in itself.

8. Myth: Talking about mental health problems makes them worse

Fact: Many people dislike having the difficult, open conversation- whether it’s asking or admitting. However, research shows that speaking out is always the better choice. This myth comes from fear of the unknown but the more you talk and know, the less fear there will be.

You cannot speak a mental health illness into existence just like silence doesn’t make one go away. Always try to speak positively, accurately and safely about mental health illnesses. Educate yourself before you begin these conversations, as the opposite can inadvertently perpetuate stigma about mental health that prevents people from getting help. You do not have to be a professional to learn the basic do’s and don’ts of an initial conversation to normalise mental health problems.

9. Myth: All mental health issues are treated the same

Fact: Although most mental health issues have different symptoms, they cannot be treated the same. Treatment for anything is never a one-size-fits-all.
Based on so many things such as symptoms, severity, duration, personal and family history, there are many treatment options such as counselling, lifestyle changes, medication or a combination.

10. Myth: Only mental health professionals have a role to play in treatment

This myth assumes that mental illness is so complex and challenging that care should be left only to the professionals. While it is true that professional support is vital for a person’s diagnosis and treatment, a support system made up of family, friends and community are equally important. If this myth prevails, multiple pathways to adequate care and support will be diminished, the affected individual will believe they need to seek professional help but do not share with loved ones and there is no accountability and responsibility for the community to take any action in the fight against our own who are silently struggling.

11. Myth: People with strong support networks don’t need therapy. Fact: While a good support system is vital for recovery and maintenance, never underestimate the power of a good therapist, which can guarantee a different level of support, including skilled conversations and techniques, objectivity and confidentiality.

12. Myth: I can do nothing to help someone with a mental health problem

Fact: There are many things one can do if someone is suffering around them. Firstly, education yourself and have discussions to show that you understand rather than judge or fear. Learn about resources around to help and share that information; accompany them to these sessions for support. Treat them with love and respect to remind them of their worthiness. You can not give up on them when they need you the most.
Additionally, the sad truth is that most people still do not reach out for help, so you are all they feel they have now.

13. Myth: Mental health care, such as seeing a psychologist, is only for people with severe issues
Fact: Anyone can and should see a mental health professional. It can be a great preventative tool in ensure that any current issues do not spiral out of control.

14. Myth: Mental health problems are permanent

While it is true that majority of mental health issues are treatable and not curable, the negative symptoms do not have to be permanent in your life. This myth also excludes different experiences such as short- term episodes brought on by stress.

Even for the healthiest individuals, mental health doesn’t stay the same as many factors influence us throughout life. When situations change, our mental health can change, however temporary. So, a good preventative and maintenance treatment plan will ensure a healthy and satisfying life.

Changing attitudes and behaviours takes time, and is difficult for everyone. However, you can take the first steps by sharing this as far and as wide as you can to clear up any misconceptions and eliminate any stigmas around mental health to ensure more people seek treatment and receive the care they need.
Thank you for taking the time.