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Busting Myths and Stigma in Mental Health

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2021-08-21 18:21:03

Dr Jeldah Nyamache

Over recent years, mental health has slowly moved out of the shadows into the spotlight. After centuries of being side-lined, our state of mental well-being is gradually receiving more of the attention that it deserves. But despite mental health receiving increasing attention as well as research, there are still many myths and misconceptions associated with it which derails efforts to address the challenges.

As is the case with many things in life, the more information we are armed with, the less likely we are to allow myths to influence our opinions and it is therefore important to confront these misinformation on mental health. It is sad that there is still a significant stigma that is attached to mental health conditions much of which relies on old-fashioned thinking and outdated assumptions. Let me therefore try to highlight some of the myths and misconceptions associated with mental health.

To begin with, one of the reasons why mental health has for long been neglected as a public health concern is because most people think that mental health problems are uncommon. This is has however been addressed as the World Health Organization notes that mental disorders are among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide as around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions as depression which is one of the main mental health problems.

Secondly, many people experiencing mental health challenges have also often been labelled as weak. This is simply not the case. It is important to note that mental health disorders are illnesses like any other and not signs of poor character. If anything, the opposite is true: Fighting a mental health condition takes a great deal of strength.

Thirdly, those suffering from mental challenges do not seek medical help for fear of not to be labelled as not having friends. However, there is a big difference between structured talking therapies and speaking with friends. Both can help people with mental illness in different ways, but a trained therapist can address issues constructively and in ways that even the best of friends cannot match. Also important to note is that not everyone can open up entirely in front of their nearest and dearest. Therapy is confidential, objective, and entirely focused on the individual, which is not generally possible in more informal conversations with untrained friends.

Further, there is a perception that metal health challenges are permanent which is not entirely true. A mental health diagnosis is not necessarily a life sentence. Each individual’s experience with mental illness is different as some people might experience instances, between which they return to their version of “normal” while others may find treatments that restore balance to their lives.

On the same note, not so long ago most societies shunned people with mental health conditions. Some people even believed that evil spirits or divine retribution were responsible for mental illnesses. Although this line of thinking has been extricated from most societies, it still casts a long shadow on mental health awareness.

In addition, the notion that all people with mental health weaknesses are violent is nothing but a myth. Thankfully, as people become more aware of mental health conditions, this misconception is slowly dying away. While it is true that some people with certain mental illnesses can become violent and unpredictable, but they are in the minority and even individuals who are experiencing the most serious conditions are mostly nonviolent.

As the mental health challenges continue to increase all over the world, it is important for increased awareness on mental health. Addressing untruths relating to our mental well-being is more pressing than ever as without the right information these myths and misconceptions will continue to derail efforts towards improving mental health awareness.  

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