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Busting 5 myths about mental health and seeking mental health support
What Is Neurodiversity?
Before delving into coping mechanisms, it's essential to recognize the common triggers of stress and anxiety. These often include workplace challenges, family dynamics, financial concerns, relationship issues, and the demands of daily life. Identifying these sources is the first step in addressing the emotional responses they evoke.
1. Mental health problems are not common
This could not be further from the truth! According to the CDC, 1 in 5 individuals will be impacted by a mental health concern within their lifetime. During the pandemic andsince many mental health experts have reported that rates of anxiety and depression among individuals have increased. Although we may not all have a serious mentalhealth disorder, we all have mental health just like we all have physical health.
2. Mental health disorders are a sign of weakness or lack of willpower
This is a common narrative that we hear in our American society and it is one that we all need to put an end to NOW! We would never tell someone diagnosed with cancer to just ‘snap out of it’ or someone who is living with asthma to ‘do better’ but these are common things we hear when we people talk about mental health, it is because mental health is complex and does involve things that sometimes we ourselves do not fully understand. Mental health is complex, yes, but it is not something that we have to feel embarrassed or shameful about (although those feelings are normal). Anyone can develop a mental health condition and it requires a lot of strength to seek help when you need it.
3. Mental health disorders are a life sentence
This one is tough, because on one hand yes mental health doesn’t necessarily have acure, however, each person experiences mental health differently. For some, a mentalhealth condition may occur in episodes that could be triggered by a variety of thingsfrom stress to traumatic experiences but then they are able to return to their ‘normal’state of being. Others may experience daily struggles with mental health symptoms thatthey must learn to manage or adapt to a new way of living, while others may require aform of professional treatment (medication, talk therapy, hospitalization, etc) to restore abalance to their well-being.
While some may feel like they are fully recovered, others may feel like they arecontinuously working on their mental health. Recovery means something different toeveryone, but the key thing to remember is that getting help when you need it is thebiggest way to achieve some level of recovery.
4. People should be able to handle mental health issues on their own
Many factors can protect people from developing mental health conditions, includingstrengthening social and emotional skills, developing supportive, loving, positive familyand peer relationships, and having a positive school or work environment as well ashealthy sleeping and eating patterns. While some people are able to achieve thesethings on their own, they may still experience mental health concerns and needassistance from others in their life or professionals.
5. Mental health treatments don’t work
Treatment is not one size fits all, it’s finding the size that fits you best! That may meanthat you have to try a few sizes on before finding the right fit and as you grow, you mayneed to find a new size. That also fits with those of you may be thinking, therapy andself-help are a waste of time. Why bother when I can just take a pill? Not everyoneexperiencing a mental health concern needs medication.
There are many professionals that are available including speaking with a licensed mental health professional, peer support mental health professionals or groups,religious leaders or clergy, or even your primary care doctor. In addition to professionals that can help, there are a number of treatment options that are available including: online therapy, counseling services for individuals, couples,families or within a group setting, medication, or even exploring self help strategies that help you.
Conclusion
Understanding mental health isn't just about busting common myths; it's about fostering a community where seeking help is encouraged, where support flows freely, and where every individual's journey to well-being is met with understanding and compassion by those around them. We have only scratched the surface of navigating our understanding of mental health but by taking a step in breaking the stigma, we pave the way for a future where mental health is approached with openness, respect, and the recognition it rightfully deserves.