Several myths surround mental health, which can often add to the stigma that individuals with mental health conditions face. This can act as a barrier, preventing individuals from being able to access the help that they need.
The following is a list of commonly misheld opinions about mental health. The alternative answer, which is based on the current scientific literature, has been added below.
Click or tap on the cards below to view the facts!
Everyone has a mental health and just like physical health, we need to look after it and maintain it.
Mental health conditions are not real medical conditions
Many factors can contribute to the development of mental health conditions, including biological factors, traumatic life experiences and physical illnesses.
Mental health conditions are caused by a weak character or personality
A combination of many factors can influence an individual’s mental health. Denying a child’s right to help may worsen the mental health condition.
Mental health conditions are a result of a flawed upbringing
Individuals can provide essential support to a person who may be struggling with mental health problems. If you are worried that someone you know may have a mental health condition, try to open up a conversation with them about it, and suggest that they talk to either a general practitioner (GP) or another mental health practitioner.
There is nothing I can do that will help someone with a mental health condition
Studies show that people with a mental health condition can treat their symptoms and some even can recover completely. It is important to know that recovery is not instant, it is a journey.
People with mental health problems can never recover or treat their conditions
Individuals with controlled mental health conditions are just as productive and reliable as other workers. In fact, having employment and structure in one’s life can foster a better mental health.
People with mental health conditions are not fit for work
Although faith and spirituality can be a powerful tool to help people recover from a mental health condition, it should not only be the only option for treatment. An appropriate treatment plan that is agreed by an individual and their health provider can encourage effective recovery.
Someone with a mental health condition can treat themselves through positive attitude and prayer. Mental health issues are a result of them not having a strong enough faith.
It is often more harmful for an individual to feel isolated and alone with their own thoughts. Discouraging discussion about an individual’s struggles may prevent them from finding appropriate support systems or strategies for recovery
Discussing mental health conditions only makes them worse
The practice of ‘pasung’ has been illegal since 1977 in Indonesia, as it is a violation of human rights. People with mental illnesses are actually more likely to be victims of violent crime, with only 5% of violent acts having been carried out by individuals with a mental health condition.
Those with a mental health condition must be chained up or else they’ll be a danger to others
Everyone, both males and females of all ages and all walks of life are susceptible to mental health conditions and should seek help when needed. Asking for help means you are strong enough to put down your ego and ask for support.
You don't need to talk about problems or ask for help like counselling - you just deal with it like a real man.
Just like physical health, we all have a mental health that needs to be looked after. Multiple lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing a mental health condition. Looking after your well-being by adopting healthy lifestyle factors can help to reduce this risk.
Mental health conditions cannot be prevented
Globally, around 25% of people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. Currently, it is the leading cause of ill health and disability, with around 450 million people suffering from a mental health condition.
There aren’t many people who may be struggling with a mental health problem
Those struggling with depression will be relieved to have the opportunity to share their disturbing thoughts, including the ones about suicide, with someone else.
It’s dangerous to ask a depressed person wether they’re considering suicide.
Suicides can be prevented. People can be helped. When people are suicidal, many times they’re highly ambivalent, they are unsure about suicide. They’re torn between a desire to live and a desire to die.
People who want to die always find away, a suicidal person will find a way to take his or her own life, no matter what.
On the outside, someone can appear to have it all: a great job, a healthy family, an active social life, a beautiful home, but no one really knows what’s going on inside of someone.
Someone who has their act together isn’t at risk of suicide.
There are almost always warning signs before a suicide attempt.The survivors of a suicide often say that the intention was hidden form them. It is more likely that the intention was just not recognized.
Suicide attempts or deaths happen without warning.
A suicide attempt is regarded as an of indicator of further attempts.
If a person attempts suicide and survives, they will never make a further attempt.
Everyone has the potential for suicide.
Only certain types of people become suicidal.
Althought suicide can be over-represented in families, attempts are not genetically inherited.
Suicide is hereditary.
Many suicide methods are very painful.
Suicide is painless.
People who die from suicide have often told someone about not wanting to live anymore or they do not see the future. It’s always important to take seriously anybody who talks about feeling suicidal.
People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.
The suicide rate for this age group is below the national average, and suicide risk increases with age. The age group with the highest suicide rate in the U.S is men and women between 45 and 64. Though particular groups may be at higher risk, suicide is a problem among all ages and groups.
Teenagers and college students are the most at risk for suicide.
Treatment can and does work. One of the best ways to prevent suicide is by getting treatment for mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar illness or substance abuse, and learning ways to cope with problems. Finding the best treatment can take some time, and the right treatment can greatly reduce the risk of suicide.
Talk therapy and medications about suicide don't work.
Suicide is often due to a combination, sequence or repetition of distressing life events – depression may just be one of the many stressors a person is struggling with. Someone who isn’t depressed can still be at risk of suicide and not everyone suffering from depression dies by suicide.
Suicide is caused by depression.
