Mental Health Assumptions: Fact or Fiction?
Despite all the information available about anxiety, depression, addiction and other mental health issues, many misconceptions persist.
Mental health misconceptions can be dangerous when they keep people from getting the treatment they need. Let’s talk about mental health issues and learn to separate fact from fiction. What are some common misconceptions about mental health?
Fact: Mental Health Issues Are Actually Quite Common
Mental health issues are uncommon, right? Wrong! This is a mental health misconception. This leads to those suffering believing they are alone or somehow responsible for their condition. In actuality, mental health issues are much more common than most people think.
A World Health Organization (WHO) survey found that 50 percent of the participants in their survey were diagnosed with a mental health illness in their lives. And after Covid-19 pandemic, mental health issues have increased – quite a bit. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the percentage of people reporting depression quadrupled after Covid-19.
It is a normal human condition to struggle at times with mental health. It’s not a personal failure. It is not hopeless, either.
Fact: There Is Hope for Mental Health Recovery
The idea that mental health issues cannot be treated is completely fiction. Stress, anxiety, depression, addiction and many other mental health conditions have been thoroughly studied. The result of this study is treatments.
Suffering through a mental health issue without reaching out for help is never a good idea. There are resources available to you and trained professionals who can offer assistance, counseling and medication.
In your community, you can find a variety of options for mental health assistance. Stark Help Central offers a list of mental health resources in Stark County.
You also should talk to your primary care doctor. They can prescribe medication or direct you to the right specialist, therapies, resources and counseling.
There Are Many Treatment Options
Many people don’t realize the wide range of treatment options available for mental health issues. They think they have to suffer through. Or they think the treatments don’t work.
The fact is, there are many treatments for mental health issues. And for some, medication can be an important part of recovery. There are many medications available today, and your doctor can work with you to find the right option.
Counseling and other proven therapies are another common prescription. Therapy has been proven to be immensely helpful for many, giving those struggling an objective, trained listener. The therapist also can move them toward other treatment and medication that supports their recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have been found to be successful in treating a wide range of issues.
Today, there are so many mental health treatments available. No one suffering from mental health issues should feel they have no options. Ask for assistance, find local resources, talk to your doctor and seek the treatment that works best for you.
Children and Teens Benefit from Mental Health Assistance
The idea that children and teens don’t have mental health issues is completely false. People of all ages struggle. When a young person is struggling, having an adult who helps them find assistance can be life-changing. Early intervention is best for young people, so it’s important for caregivers to be in tune with kids and teens’ mental health. Pay attention to any signs they are struggling, as many are reluctant to ask for help.
With teens, mental health issues can be missed due to the assumption that “all teens are moody.” While having occasional mood swings can be normal, it is important to watch for signs of depression and anxiety in teens, so they can get treatment early as possible.
Mental Health Issues Are Not A Sign Of Weakness
The idea that mental health issues are a sign of weakness is one of the most destructive mental health misconceptions. Mental health issues are an illness that can be treated. Having depression or anxiety does not mean you are weak or there is a flaw in your character.
Mental health issues are common and can happen to anyone. You should never feel like you cannot talk to your doctor, your friends and your family about your condition. In fact, reaching out and sharing that you’re struggling is often the first step toward treatment.
For more information on a variety of mental health issues, see everything Stark Help Central has to offer or contact a Stark Help Central navigator at 330.452.6000 for assistance.
If you or a loved one are in crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call Stark County’s crisis hotline at 330.452.6000.
