In terms of public awareness, psychology is yet to achieve much in Indian Societies. In fact, there are many myths and stereotypes associated with the subject. In this article, we look at some of these myths and expose the facts. Read on!
- Myth – Children do not deal with mental health issues much.
Fact – Children do suffer from mental health issues. Some kids might have attention deficit problems, while others have hypersensitive reactions to their surroundings. These youngsters require treatment, and they react well to it. In fact, they are more open to treatment than individuals in their 40s and 50s.
- Myth – If a child has a mental health problem, it is the parents’ fault.
Fact – Mental illnesses can be caused by a variety of causes, including the environment, genetic, biological, chemical imbalances, prenatal alcohol and drug exposure, and traumatic experiences and so on. Abusive or neglecting parents can be the cause of child’s mental problem, but not always. Parents cannot be blamed every time, as there are many who support and look after their child.
- Myth – It’s a waste of time to go to therapy. Pills are the most effective.
Fact – Although many people believe this, it cannot be farther from the reality. For example, emotions or other mood disorders cannot be treated with pills at first itself. Pills can only be used to treat diseases caused by hormonal or genetic predispositions. Trauma cannot be healed in the absence of therapy.
- Myth – Mental disorders are nothing more than an excuse for bad behavior.
Fact – It is true that certain persons suffering from mental disorders may behave in surprising or unusual ways to others. We must remember that the sickness, not the individual, is to blame for this behavior. People who modify their behavior as a result of a mental illness may feel highly humiliated or ashamed in front of others. It is critical to recognize that persons suffering from mental illnesses are just like the rest of us.
- Myth – People who suffer from mental disorders are aggressive and dangerous.
Fact – Persons who have a mental illness are no longer violent than people who do not have a mental illness. It’s also worth noting that persons suffering from mental disorders are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violence. Excluding people from society due to their aggressive nature stems from a misunderstood and stigmatized approach to mental health. Maybe there are some disorders, which are very self-harming or so, but in such cases the patients are always kept under observation.
- Myth – People with mental disorders do not heal.
Fact – People who suffer from mental disorders can and do recover. There are several therapies, services, and support programs available today that can assist. There is effective therapy for mental disorders. Detecting the sickness at an early stage is far more effective and allows a person to resume regular day-to-day functioning. We must take care to seek assistance as soon as feasible.
- Myth – Everyone becomes depressed as they grow older. It’s merely a natural component of the aging process.
Fact – Depression is not a normal component of the aging process. Because of the various changes in roles and social networks that occur among older individuals, they may be at a higher risk of depression. When an older adult suffers from depression, they require the same level of care as everyone else.
- Myth – People suffering from mental disorders are unable to work or maintain a normal lifestyle.
Fact – Mental disorders do not automatically imply that a person is no longer capable of working. The majority of persons suffering from significant mental disorders want to work, but they confront structural hurdles to obtaining and retaining meaningful job. Medical or therapeutic assistance may enable individuals to return to employment and a more manageable lifestyle.
- Myth – People who suffer from mental disorders are weak and have a defect in their character.
Fact – Stress has an influence on one’s well-being, but this is true for everyone. Many people who suffer from mental disorders develop skills such as stress management and problem-solving so that they can operate properly. Taking care of oneself and seeking assistance when necessary are marks of strength, not weakness. Mental disorders do not define a person’s personality or character. Mental disorders, like other illnesses, may be treated.
- Myth – Therapists do not require need counseling for themselves.
Fact – Therapists do need counseling for themselves. If they are not well from inside, they cannot really help others to solve their problems. They listen to every other person, their thoughts, emotions and so on, thus therapists also do need someone to listen to them.
YLCC would like to thank Shatakshee Chatterjee for her valuable inputs in this article.
