Mental Health Myths

Mental Health is a delicate topic and one shrouded in misinformation. Here is a compilation of the mental health myths (and the truths to oppose them) we discussed in our meeting!

Mental illness is a rich person’s problem. (I'm too poor to have a mental illness, or Mental health is a luxury.)

2.5 million adults living below the poverty line are mentally ill.

Mental health doesn’t affect me.

Not everyone has a mental illness but everyone has mental health

1 in 4 people live with a mental illness.

Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.

Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors: such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry. Life experiences, Like trauma or a history of abuse, and Family history of mental health problems.

All people with mental illness are violent.

Statistically, mentally ill persons are far more likely to be victims of crimes rather than the perpetrator. Only 7.5% of crimes committed are directly tied to symptoms of mental illness.

Everyone gets depressed and anxious sometimes.

Everyone experiences sadness and nervousness; however, only a trained medical professional can diagnose depression, anxiety or any other mental illness.

Using mental illnesses as a way to describe emotions minimizes the disorders effects on those afflicted. It’s better to hone in on the singular emotions being experienced, rather than generalize.

People with a mental illness never get better.

Treatment works! Having a strong treatment team and support system leads many people down the path of recovery.