denver, April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mental health care is making strides in being integrated into health plans. With rates of depression and anxiety skyrocketing around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is seen as just as important as physical health.
But some remain skeptical about the importance of mental health care and the efficacy of treatments. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about mental health:
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1. Seeking mental health care is a sign of failure
Sometimes, admitting we need help with mental health issues can feel like admitting a terrible secret. We may worry about getting noticed or being judged by others. However, seeking mental health care is no different than treating a broken ankle. Asking for help shows that we put our health first. It’s a sign of loving ourselves. In fact, with any health problem, the sooner we get help, the better.
2. People with mental illness are physically weak
No one chooses to have a mental illness, just like no one chooses to have cancer. The most common causes of mental illness include genetics, physical injury or disability, trauma or abuse, or changes in brain chemistry. Most people get help because they need it—not because they’re weak.
3. Mental illness makes people violent
There has been much debate about whether or how mental illness is related to violence. In fact, violence was more strongly associated with lower socioeconomic status, age and gender. People with certain personality disorders or substance dependence may be more prone to violence, but this can be managed with appropriate treatment.
4. People with mental illness cannot work stably
One of the stereotypes associated with mental illness is homelessness. This is an extreme scenario. In fact, one in five American adults suffers from a mental illness. You may have worked with some of these people. The stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace persists. Employees may withhold information about mental health conditions out of fear of retaliation. They may refuse treatment because they fear someone will find out. If left untreated, these problems can spiral out of control and start affecting productivity.
5. Taking drugs can change your personality
Drugs should not change your core personality. The purpose of medication is to help us manage our thoughts, feelings, and emotions and achieve better mental health. Your mental health clinician will conduct a rigorous examination to accurately diagnose and discuss your condition. If drug therapy is included in the treatment plan, clinicians will be trained to closely monitor whether the drug is having the desired effect. They will also keep an eye out for any negative effects and make adjustments as needed. Your clinician is your best resource for potential side effects and what to do about them.
6. Psychiatry is not medicine
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in mental health. They go to medical school, complete residency training, and must pass a licensing exam to practice medicine. This combination of training equips them to deal with mental health issues from a physical and psychological perspective. This makes them uniquely qualified to diagnose conditions and prescribe medications.
7. Mental health is not my problem
Chances are you know at least one person who has a mental illness. It could be your boss, it could be your kids. Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or income. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to increased suicide rates. It can also have major impacts on the workplace, education, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, emergency and social services, and the healthcare industry as a whole.
Raising awareness of good mental health care is critical to accepting ourselves and others and the challenges we face. Myths and misconceptions prevent us from truly exploring opportunities to improve our health.
For more information, please visit https://www.mindpath.com/.
SOURCE Mindpath Health
