Facts and Myths About Mental Health

By Mandi 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and with that, I'm going to use it as an opportunity to clear up some details about Mental Health. There are many myths that are considered true and there are many facts that are considered false. But, hopefully after reading this you will grasp a more detailed and deeper understanding about Mental Health.

A very common myth that is believed is that Mental Health problems don't affect you, or cannot affect you after a certain age. That is highly untrue.

Fact: About 20% of Americans experience problems from poor mental health at least once in their life. The number continuously rises all around the world too. Four to ten percent of the world's population experiences a period of major depression or another serious mental illness. Some experiences grow from a young age and continue to grow throughout life and almost all mental health disorders start before the age of 24. This happens because of low mental health which can lead to suicidal behaviors and emotional disorders.

It is extremely important to receive proper treatment as soon as possible after being diagnosed with poor mental health and if you know somebody who is going through something like this, you should contact a professional right away and if the person is showing suicidal actions or thoughts, it's vital to take action right away. You might just save a life.

Another myth about Mental Health is that people with Mental Health problems are violent, crazy, and unpredictable. This myth is very believable considering the fact that in most books, shows, and movies, the character with a mental health issue is usually the antagonist and is portrayed as a psychopath or sociopath. The audience often doesn't understand this, and takes it as everybody with a mental issue acts like these fictional characters. This is false.

Fact: Less than 5% of individuals who suffer from mental health problems commit violent acts and these people are ten times more likely to be victims of violent acts rather than the one causing them. A serious issue that can but is not guaranteed to lead to violent and unpredictable behavior is schizophrenia which is a type of psychotic disorder. This is when there are "voices" inside of your head and it's breaking down your moral walls, making it difficult for the victim to discern the difference of a bad deed and a good deed. Rarely will the victim know that they have schizophrenia and it takes a lot of time to treat.

Often, the population that suffers from mental issues is portrayed as incapable of working. This is definitely a myth.

Fact: People with mental health issues are just as capable as normal people to do day-to-day tasks. Sometimes, people with mental health problems have higher motivations because of the constant want to prove themselves. If effective treatment was given, these same individuals that people consider 'incapable' can produce better day-to-day abilities. You probably know somebody who is suffering from some sort of mental health issue but, don't know that specifically. That's because people with mental health 'problems' are highly active in their community and around peers. This is why even the smallest detail may make a difference into someone's lives if they're suffering.

Somebody can just snap out of depression, anxiety, OCD, and other tendencies if they try hard enough. This is false.

Fact: People that are experiencing a mental problems, it either one: Comes from physical illness, genes, or a disruption in brain chemicals, or two: Traumatic experiences. Some people can get better and some can heal completely, it just takes a long and grueling process of treatment and therapy. And, when you go into therapy you always have the risk of your dilemma getting worse. This can sometimes lead to being prescribed pills to try to restore balance to your internal and mental states. The main thing you need to know is that you can't just 'snap' out of your mental state, just because you want to and you definitely can't force somebody to.

These two myths are very closely intertwined and I just felt the need to talk about these two last to finish up the article. You can't help somebody that is suffering and the person will never recover and be the same again... like ever.

Welp... isn't a quarter-ish of the population screwed?

Fact: Scientific studies prove that people with mental health problems can get better and some even recover completely. Recovery means that people can live, work, learn, and participate fully in their lives like they could before. Sometimes even better. There are a lot treatments, services, and support offered to help and assist people who are struggling with the recovery process. Now more than ever before, and they work! *cue applause* Ways you can help somebody you know that is trying to cope with mental health issues is by TREATING THIS PERSON WITH RESPECT JUST LIKE HOW YOU WOULD TREAT EVERYBODY ELSE. Do this by setting aside your differences and by letting them know you're there if they need you. Offer them access to medical help if they need it, or if you think they need it. Most importantly, don't label and target them.

Remember, you can always prevent these problems from occurring to you directly by addressing the risk factors like being exposed to trauma and stress. (This means eliminating them from your life, such as breaking free from unhealthy relationships.) Basically, upsetting acts that can affect your mental and emotional state and can cause issues. Promoting the social and emotional well-being of yourself and others lead to a better and happier life.

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