Dispelling myths about mental health can help break the stigma and create a culture that encourages people of any age to seek support when they need it. Here are a few common misconceptions about mental health: 

Myth vs Fact I :

 

Myth:

Mental illness is rare.

 

Fact:

One in four people will have mental health issues at some point in their lives.

 

Myth vs Fact II :

 

Myth:

People with mental health issues are violent and dangerous.

 

Fact:

In reality, those with mental health problems are much more likely to be the victims of violent crime than to commit it themselves.

 

Myth vs Fact III :

 

Myth:

Children don’t face mental health issues.

 

Fact:

Almost half of mental health disorders are discernable before the age of 14.

Myth vs Fact IV:

 

Myth:

If a person has a mental health condition, it means the person has low intelligence.

 

Fact:

Regardless of intelligence, social position, or income level, mental disease can impact everyone, just like physical illness.

Myth vs Fact V:

 

Myth:

Mental illness is incurable and lifelong.

 

Fact:

With the right kind of help, treated appropriately and early, most people recover fully and have no further episodes of illness. Others may experience recurrent mental illness throughout their lifetimes, necessitating ongoing therapy. Mental illness can be controlled, just like other chronic health disorders, to allow people to lead complete lives.

Myth vs Fact VI :

 

Myth:

A mental health condition is a sign of weakness; if the person were stronger, they would not have this condition.

 

Fact:

It is not a condition people choose to have or not have. In fact, recognizing the need to accept help for a mental health condition requires great strength and courage. Anyone can develop a mental health condition.

 

Myth vs Fact VII :

 

Myth:

Nothing can be done to protect people from developing mental health conditions.

 

Fact:

The ability to overcome adversity relies on a combination of protective factors, and neither environmental nor individual stressors alone will necessarily result in mental health problems.

Myth vs Fact VIII :

 

Myth:

Bad parenting causes mental conditions in adolescents.

 

Fact:

Many factors – including poverty, unemployment, and exposure to violence, migration, and other adverse circumstances and events – may influence the well-being and mental health of adolescents, their caregivers and the relationship between them.

 

Myth vs Fact IX :

 

Myth:

Adolescents who get good grades and have a lot of friends will not have mental health conditions because they have nothing to be depressed about.

 

Fact:

Young individuals who perform well in school may experience anxiety due to pressure to succeed or difficulties at home. Additionally, they could feel depressed or anxious for no apparent cause.

 

Myth vs Fact X :

 

Myth:

Only certain types of people develop a mental illness.

 

Fact:

Anybody can experience mental health issues. Everyone is impacted, regardless of age, education, income, or cultural background.

 

Myth vs Fact XI :

 

Myth:

People with a mental illness should be isolated from the community.

 

Fact:

Most people with a mental illness recover quickly and do not need hospital care. Others may have short admissions to hospital for treatment. Improvements in treatment over recent decades mean that most people live in their communities, and there is no need for the confinement and isolation.

 

Myth vs Fact XII :

 

Myth:

Mental health isn’t that important. People have to focus on other things right now, like school and physical health.

 

Fact:

Improving our mental health can often have a positive effect and improve other important aspects of life, including: academics, physical health, and relationships.

 

Reference

 

 

Busted: 7 myths about mental health. (n.d.). Busted: 7 Myths About Mental Health | UNICEF Parenting. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/busted-7-myths-about-mental-health

Mental Health Myths and Facts. (2022, February 28). Mental Health Myths and Facts | MentalHealth.gov. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts

Myths & Facts About Mental Health – Infographic – Tri-City Medical Center. (2016, August 26). Tri-City Medical Center. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://www.tricitymed.org/2016/08/myths-facts-mental-health-infographic

Myths and facts about mental illness | SA Health. (n.d.). Myths and Facts About Mental Illness | SA Health. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Public+Content/SA+Health+Internet/Healthy+Living/Healthy+Mind/Myths+and+facts+about+mental+illness