Mental Health Myths: Common Misconceptions About Mental Health
Although awareness about mental health has increased in recent times, there are still many misconceptions prevalent in our society. The idea that mental problems mean ‘crazy’, or that this problem only affects weak people, is not only wrong, but also harmful. In this article, we will know those common myths or misconceptions that need to be broken now.
1. Mental health problems mean madness: A terrible misconception
Mental health problems are still despised in our society as “madness”. If someone suffers from depression, excessive anxiety or lacks self-confidence, many call him “crazy”. Such a view is not only inhumane, but it also makes the whole situation more terrible for mental patients.
How did it develop?
The prejudices that have been developed in society for a long time, the misrepresentation of mental patients in dramas and movies, and the lack of education and awareness have given a strong foundation to this misconception. People often feel a sense of fear or disgust when they hear the word “mental illness.”
What is the reality?
The idea that mental illness means someone has gone “crazy” is scientifically unfounded. According to WHO, mental health problems are a type of physiological and psychological imbalance that is caused by specific circumstances and can be controlled with proper treatment.
If a person is suffering from diabetes, we do not call them “crazy.” But if someone is suffering from depression, why do we see them as ashamed?
This is actually a psychological and social problem, the root of which is ignorance and lack of empathy.
How harmful is this misconception?
Mentally ill people are afraid to seek help
Many people are afraid to talk openly for fear of being called “crazy.” This makes the problem more complicated and can even lead to suicidal tendencies.
Family and social support decreases
If a member suffers from mental problems, the family often keeps it a secret. As a result, treatment is delayed and the patient suffers from loneliness.
Awareness is not created
This idea prevents discussion and awareness about mental health. Society then trivializes an important issue.
Why is it necessary to break this misconception?
1. In order to build a compassionate society, mental health must be given importance.
2. Most mental problems can be completely controlled with proper treatment and therapy.
3. Talking about mental problems will encourage others in society to seek help.
Mental health problems are not a matter of shame, they are a normal and treatable condition. Before calling someone “crazy”, it is important to think that the person may be struggling with themselves alone. A little empathy, a little understanding, and a little companionship may give them a new lease of life.
2. Mental illness only affects weak-minded people, which is unfounded and harmful
A common belief in our society is that “those who have less mental strength suffer from mental illness.” That is, many people see depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or other mental health problems as personal weaknesses. It is thought that someone who is mentally ‘strong’ cannot have these things.
This idea is not only wrong, but also very harmful. Because it makes a sufferer responsible for their problems. This breaks the patient’s confidence, and they turn away from the path to getting the help they need.
What is the reality?
Mental illness has nothing to do with “mental weakness”. Various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc. are caused by physiological, genetic, and environmental factors. Even a confident, successful, and strong-minded person can fall victim to these problems.
A working CEO can suffer from depression. A mother who takes care of everyone in her family can suffer from postpartum depression. Even an army officer who has been through the battlefield can suffer from PTSD.
These examples show us that mental illness is a health problem, not a weakness.
What does the research say?
According to the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), genetic influences, brain chemical imbalances, trauma, and excessive stress play an important role in mental illness. A Harvard study has shown that stress and environmental trauma can affect even a person who has never suffered from mental illness before. This proves that mental illness is not a sign of weakness, but a type of human experience that can happen to anyone.
Harmful effects:
The patient feels ‘fault’ within himself, as a result of which he hesitates to seek treatment. Family and society also do not show appropriate sympathy, but often underestimate it by saying “you should be a little tougher”, “it’s not that big a deal”. Those who suffer from mental illness in university, workplace or family, choose to remain silent, which eventually turns into a major mental disaster.
What is the solution?
1. We must develop the habit of seeing mental illness as a treatable problem rather than considering it a weakness.
2. We must accept that anyone can suffer from mental illness.
3. You need to learn to stand by with empathy, and build courage without blaming.
A person who suffers from mental illness is not weak, but is fighting with himself every day. Calling it weakness means denying his struggle. Now is the time, let’s all break this misconception and build a humane society, where mental health will also be part of care.
3. Counseling or therapy is ineffective in mental health problems, a terrible misconception
In many developing societies, including Bangladesh, hearing the words “therapy” or “counseling” still creates a kind of doubt. Many people think that counseling means just talking, which has no effective results. Some call it “the luxury of inner weakness”. This misconception has become a big obstacle to people’s mental well-being.
What does reality say?
The root cause of mental health problems is as complex as its solution is scientific and requires deep observation. Mental problems cannot always be cured with medication alone. In many cases, the patient needs counseling or therapy to get rid of thoughts, behaviors, habits, self-esteem or trauma.
How does therapy work?
Therapy or counseling is not just talking, it is the science of change from within. One of the most widely used therapy methods around the world is:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
It identifies the patient’s negative thoughts and behaviors and works on changing them.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
A very effective method for people who suffer from problems with emotion regulation.
Psychodynamic Therapy:
It helps solve problems arising from deep psychological trauma or childhood experiences.
What has the study found?
The American Psychological Association says that the CBT method has been proven effective in 60%–90% of cases of depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental problems.
A study published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal showed that those who received regular therapy had a much better mental state and quality of life than those who took medication.
What are the harmful effects of this misconception?
People do not understand the importance of therapy, as a result of which treatment is incomplete. The patient blames himself, thinking, “My problem is just mental illness, what will counseling do?”
Family and society discourage people from taking therapy, as a result of which people keep quiet and push their suffering deeper.
What is the solution?
1. Therapy should be seen as a way to gain personal care and mental strength, not as a symbol of weakness.
2. Open discussions about mental health should be increased in schools, colleges, workplaces and families.
3. The importance and role of professional therapists or counselors should be highlighted in society so that people understand that therapy is a scientific and effective process.
Just as physiotherapy heals the body, psychotherapy heals the mind. Counseling is not a luxury, it is a necessity, a courageous step. When a person goes to a counselor, they are asking for help, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of inner strength.
4. Mental illness is invisible, so it is unimportant: A deep social misconception
There is still a prevailing attitude in our society that what is invisible is not worthy of importance. Headache, fever, cut hand. As much as people worry about these visible physical problems, they neglect mental problems. If someone suffers from depression, anxiety, or insomnia, they are often told, “These are all in the mind,” “You overthink it,” or “Why worry so much about the mind?” This view is not only wrong, but also terribly harmful to mental health.
What is the reality?
Although mental illness is invisible, its impact is often more severe than physical illness. It affects our thoughts, emotions, sleep, eating habits, social relationships, and even our outlook on life. People with these diseases, whether depression, anxiety, trauma, or OCD, constantly go through an invisible pain that the outside world cannot see.
What does the research show?
According to WHO, 1 in 8 people in the world suffer from some kind of mental illness, but most do not seek help because society does not give it importance. A study by Harvard Medical School has shown that many people can develop heart disease, diabetes, and even hormonal problems due to unhealthy mental conditions. In other words, mental illness is not limited to the mind, but its profound impact on every aspect of the body and life.
“Even if you can’t see it, there is pain” – an important realization
If a person works properly, smiles, and talks all day long, it does not mean that he is well. Many times he is hiding a terrible mental pain behind a smile. This is known as “Smiling Depression” where the person is outwardly normal, but inside he is very lonely and depressed.
What happens because of this misconception?
The patient neglects his suffering, thinking “Maybe nothing really happened to me.” Family and people around him consider treatment a luxury, as a result, the opportunity for treatment is lost. Mental illness is a hidden thing in society, which pushes the sufferer towards even more terrible consequences.
What is the solution?
1. We need to understand that not all illnesses are visible.
2. If someone talks about their feelings, stress, and worries, they should be listened to with importance.
3. Mental health issues should be made a normal part of the discussion in schools, families, and workplaces.
No pain is fake just because it is invisible. Mental suffering is very real, and it requires care, compassion, and treatment. You may not understand what a person is fighting inside, so try to understand them without ignoring them. Even if it is invisible, that pain may be the biggest fight of a person’s life.
5. Talking about mental problems is shameful: the roots of a silent torture
Mental health is still a “silent” issue in our society. As openly as people can talk about colds and flu, they are silent about mental problems like depression, anxiety, or panic attacks. Why? Shame, humiliation, and “what will society say?” are the traditional fears.
This “shame” is actually not just a feeling, it is a kind of invisible torture that forces people to suffer in silence.
Why do people keep quiet?
1. Society’s reaction: If someone says, “I am suffering from depression,” the response is, “Don’t be so dramatic.”
2. Family perspective: Many families believe that revealing a mental problem will damage the family’s honor and dignity.
3. Professional fear: If someone discloses a mental illness in a job or professional environment, the fear of being considered “unworthy” comes into play.
What are the consequences?
Many people suffer from loneliness, but they cannot express it. Many do not seek treatment for depression or anxiety, because it is a matter of “shame”. Many choose suicide, because they think that no one will understand them.
What is the reality?
Mental health problems do not mean weakness. They are treatable just like physical illnesses. If a person can go to a doctor for heart disease, why is it shameful to go to a counselor for mental illness? According to the World Health Organization, about 800,000 people commit suicide every year, most of whom are due to mental problems and most of them never sought help because they were afraid of society.
What should be done to change this perception?
1. Shame should be replaced with pride: a person who is aware of his mental health is not weak but brave.
2. Family and friends should be empathetic: they should listen, be there, and understand without judging.
3. Creating awareness in social media and educational institutions: Open discussions about mental health need to be increased.
When a person wants to talk about their inner pain, they should not be considered “shameful” but rather given courage. If they keep their mouth shut due to shame, not only do people lose out, but society also loses out on a potential, beautiful life. So let’s change this misconception today because speaking up is not a weakness, but rather the first step to liberation.
6. Taking medication means taking medication for the rest of their life
The dangers of a misconception
“Taking medication means taking it for the rest of your life, right?” This question is often heard, especially from people suffering from mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses. Many people think that once they start taking any mental health medication, they will become dependent on medication for the rest of their life. But this idea is completely wrong and it confuses many people about the treatment process for mental health problems.
What is the reality?
Mental health problems can be treated with medication, but taking medication does not mean that you have to take it for the rest of your life. Many times, medication is used to control the symptoms of the disease, then after a period of time determined by a professional doctor, the patient can gradually reduce the dose or stop the medication. The job of medication is to control the problem, but it is not the only way. In addition to medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and proper procedures must be followed for mental well-being.
What has the research found?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), for many mental illnesses, therapy, along with medication, can help reduce symptoms and prepare the patient for weaning. The American Psychological Association says, “Many patients may need medication for a time, but later, their physical and mental health improves, allowing them to stop taking it.”
What are the harmful effects of this misconception?
Patients feel an invisible barrier to treatment because they believe that once they start medication, they cannot stop. Anxiety increases, and patients and their families begin to think, “I will now be dependent on medication for the rest of my life.” Patients are afraid to start medication, which hinders their recovery.
Why is it not necessary to become dependent on medication?
The helpful effects of medication may be temporary, but with therapy and improved quality of life, patients can often recover completely. The process of stopping medication can be a gradual process, and it is done according to the doctor’s advice. So the patient needs to be brave and move forward with his treatment gradually.
What is the solution?
1. Decisions should be made based on scientific evidence, when and how to take medication, and how to stop it should only be determined by a professional doctor.
2. Professional therapy and counseling: In addition to medication, therapy or counseling is helpful in boosting morale.
3. Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, proper diet, and efforts to achieve mental peace should be made. Learn more about this.
There is no rule that taking medication means taking it for life. Depending on the type of disease, situation, and doctor’s advice, the duration of medication use may vary. The most important thing is to motivate the patient to seek treatment so that they can take the first step on their own path to recovery. Mental health problems can be long-term, but they can be completely controlled not only through medication, but also through professional therapy, healthy living, and attentive support. You can share any of your opinions here.
- Category : Self-Development
- Author : Tuhin Bin Alamgir
Explore Recent Posts
