One of our most popular posts to date is “Breaking the Stigma: Debunking 6 Common Mental Health Myths”. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with mental health issues and those who struggle. So, this Mental Health Awareness Month we’ll be diving into 5 new myths so that we can continue to spill the truth and help break the stigma. We want to help you, and everyone, navigate each of these misconceptions and learn what the truth actually is.
While we can’t prevent all misinformation about mental health, we can do our part to showcase the truth and hope it helps inform others too. Let’s dive in and start debunking!
Many people think that all mental illnesses are the same or that everyone who struggles is alike. Therefore, if one person acted in a certain manner or lived a specific way, everyone else who similarly struggled would be that way too. For example, if one person struggling with anxiety can’t go out of the house without panicking and struggling to breathe, someone might believe that unless someone suffers in that exact way, they can’t be experiencing anxiety. These often come from the misconceptions and stereotypes found in the media, and even in our world today.
One reason this myth is so harmful to believe is that it can negatively affect those struggling when it comes to getting help or opening up. People might assume that the same things will work for everyone or get upset when something that worked for Ben doesn't work for Betty.
The truth is, everyone is different and so are their journeys. We can’t make assumptions or stereotypes about anyone, especially those struggling with mental health, because that can often hurt them and their ability to get or ask for the help they need.
Instead of immediately judging or assuming, try being curious and asking questions about a person’s specific experience with mental illness. Listen to understand and realize there is such a wide variety of experiences with mental health—just as there would be with two different people battling cancer.
People often incorrectly think mental illnesses are preventable like getting a flu shot for the flu or staying heart healthy can help prevent heart attacks. This is dangerous because the rhetoric can often become that those who are struggling are “weak” or “did something wrong” which is so damaging to those already suffering.
This is, unfortunately, common in faith spaces. People can believe that those suffering from a mental illness don’t have enough faith, need to pray harder or go to church more, or are disobedient to God and what He asks. Some people might believe this because they think that if someone had more faith, prayed or went to church, or obeyed God better, that person wouldn’t be struggling in the first place. Can we get a big heck no?!
The truth is, you can’t fully prevent mental illnesses. While you can do your best to take precautions for your physical health (sleep, eating, movement, staying away from sick people, taking medicine, etc.), you still can’t fully guarantee you won’t ever get sick. Mental health is the same way.
In fact, mental illnesses are complex and occur due to biological, sociological, environmental, and psychological reasons. You could do all the “right” things and you still may have a tendency towards mental health issues.
However, you can work on creating a resilient mind, building healthy emotional connections, and addressing trauma to ensure you’re keeping your mental health as good as you can control.1
It’s easy to have a black-and-white perspective or all-or-nothing thinking, especially when it comes to how you view mental health. We get it and why this myth exists. It’s likely that people think someone is either struggling or successful. Detrimental or definitely over it. Fighting for their life or fine.
The scary part of this is thinking that just because someone is doing okay, they can’t slide down again. Or, if they aren’t doing okay, believing they’ll never get through to the other side. Both are incorrect and inconclusive views.
You may also think you can easily tell who is struggling and who isn’t…see our above point and our first myths post for the truth here.
The truth is, mental health is a spectrum. Everyone’s mental health is constantly changing and existing on a continuum, just like you are as a human being. Think of it also in terms of the different levels of suffering with a heart attack or the flu that exist.
A person who is generally mentally healthy may experience drops in mood, emotional issues, or a mental slump. Similarly, someone who is diagnosed with a mental illness may have moments of joy, high functioning, seeing the bright side/clarity, etc.
Struggling with your mental health is not all or nothing and doesn’t mean you can’t experience both ends and live a fulfilling life.
Like we mentioned in myth #1, when it comes to mental health struggles, everybody’s battle and journey is so different. Some people suffer from panic attacks, and can’t get out of bed or do basic things like shower, eat or clean. They can’t make plans or go out to see friends.
And yet, some are the opposite. Some keep their job, see friends every week, reply to texts, shower/eat/clean/grocery shop. They smile and make jokes. It’s called ‘high functioning’. So, people might see that they seem fine on the outside and therefore can’t be struggling that much, or struggling at all on the inside. How wrong that is!
The truth is, anyone struggling with mental health is not “just fine”, especially not simply because they are ‘high-functioning’. This misconception really grinds my gears because I struggled with high-functioning depression and anxiety, and felt guilty for struggling. But, it doesn’t make it any easier.
People who can get out of bed, keep a job, make plans with friends, go out, etc. are still struggling, just in different ways. It sometimes can be even more difficult and exhausting because everyone thinks you look and act ‘fine’ therefore, you must be okay and not really suffering. Your outside may look okay, but inside you’re still suffering deeply.
So, this is your reminder to check in on those who seem ‘high-functioning’. They likely need help, but have had no one asking or have twisted themselves into believing the lie that they don’t actually need help.
People may think that their or someone else’s life will be completely destroyed or different after a mental illness diagnosis. This can also be applied to after someone struggles with mental health. Believing this can create fear and misinformation around those diagnosed.
The truth is, healing and a full life are possible. There are tons of treatment options today that work powerfully. Things such as medication, therapy, opening up to people in your life, meditation or prayer, and self-help resources can all help you live a normal life with your mental health diagnosis and learn to cope with whatever you're dealing with.
Now, we will say that this myth is half right…you and your life will be forever changed by mental health. You’ll now be even stronger and more resilient. You’ll have so much empathy and compassion for others you meet who are struggling. You’ll learn self-compassion and grace. You’ll see the world in beautiful new ways. So, yes you may change, but it won’t be for the worse.
The ultimate truth is that a mental illness diagnosis or mental health struggles don’t mean your life is over. You still have a chance at a beautiful life even if it may look different than expected!
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1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration