Mental illness is on the rise. Many researchers attribute this phenomenon to factors related to social media, world events, a country’s healthcare system, and so on. On top of that, the challenge of opening up about one’s mental health is heightened by the lack of understanding and acceptance in teen counseling in Mesa.
Due to the plethora of information available online, it can be difficult to discern what is accurate and reliable information about health and what is not. In this article, broaden your knowledge and learn a few tips for distinguishing between facts and misconceptions when it comes to mental health.
Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness
Fundamentally, mental health can be defined as a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Having mental health does not guarantee a less arduous journey; rather it is something that should be looked after to prevent serious imbalance.
In contrast, mental illness is a complication in one’s mental health that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The complication involves too many negative thoughts and feelings, which should be diagnosed and treated by an expert as soon as possible.
Common Misconceptions of Mental Illness
- Mental illness is just all in the head
Mental disorders do not go away on their own. This phrase captures one of the most harmful misconceptions about mental disorders. It is important to make time for your mental health because if left untreated, mental disorders will only get worse.
- Mentally ill people are dangerou
Mental illness is a serious issue, but the majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Many people with such problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.
- Mental health problems are caused by personality weaknesses or character flaws
Most people don’t understand the gravity of having mental health disorders. Many factors including biological factors, life experiences, and trauma, contribute to mental health problems. It’s not weak or lazy to suffer from these problems. It takes courage to be open about your struggles. It takes grit to try to overcome them. And, it needs the tenacity to seek help.
- Struggling mentally is an abnormal and irrecoverable situation
Mental health concerns are common and treatable. Approximately 1 out of 7 people in the world have a substance or mental disorder. Yet even among those who do have diagnosable mental health conditions, there are many variations on how these conditions manifest themselves and how they can be treated.
The treatment for each case is not linear. It varies depending on the individual and the options include medication, therapy, or both. Open discussions and awareness campaigns are a huge part of breaking the stigma. The authorities and institutions should instill policies to raise self-awareness and take care of the underlying issues.
- Treatments like therapy and self-help are ineffective
By combining medication with appropriate therapy, the severity of one’s mental health disorder is minimized, if not eliminated. Therapists provide a different level of support from social relations.
A good environment and therapist ensure a positive outlook in more ways than one. A therapist offers a professional perspective on your problems and can offer insight into your situation that friends or family might not be able to provide.
To get the most out of therapy, make sure you’re compatible with your therapist and committed to participating in the therapy and practicing the strategies your therapist suggests for everyday life. You can search for therapists in Windsor, or clinics near you, for advice.
- Mental health care should only be provided to the extremely ill
Even if one doesn’t have a diagnosable mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, everyone experiences mental health concerns. It is important to know that having a mental health condition is not a sentence to a lifetime of medication and therapy.
There are steps that one can take such as building habits, using self-care apps, or seeking professional help. Many clinics offering mental health services in Toronto are willing to talk through people’s concerns and promote strategies to optimize mental performance.
- Mental health concerns are interceptions from having prosperous jobs
Employers who discriminate against people with mental health problems are acting out of fear and ignorance; not facts. Employees with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees, and employers who hire them report good attendance and punctuality, motivation, good work, and tenure on par with or greater than other employees.
- Children and teens don’t have mental health issues
Early intervention is key to ensuring that young people receive the treatment they need. The health of a child’s mind is as important as his or her physical health. The ability to cope with life’s difficulties and grow into well-rounded adults relies on good mental health. If these needs are not met, several complications arise, such as stress and anxiety.
It is important to understand that this does not define your value as a person and as a member of society. Mental illness affects people of all ages and levels of ability. All people are equally exposed to these risks.
Strengthening mitigation efforts for mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders should be accomplished to help address the risk factors early on. Advocates remain optimistic that people will have a greater understanding of mental illness and its effects on the lives of people.