Mythbuster: Mentally ill people are the only ones that seek mental health consultation.

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In our so-called modern world, misconceptions and myths about mental health still remain, even among intelligent and well-educated people. Mental health is no longer something that can be ignored. Every year, over 10% of the world's population is affected by mental disorders. According to a 2018 study conducted in the United Kingdom, 70% of people are troubled by stress, which is described as overwhelming and exhausting. Increased levels of stress and anxiety have been linked to addiction and tragic outcomes such as suicide and self-harm in some situations. Moreover, the younger generation is particularly vulnerable to stress due to the heavy pressure to achieve. The current situation is further worsened by misunderstandings regarding our mental health.

The myth that only mentally ill people seek mental health consultation is an erroneous assumption. Mental health as a concept includes much more than just illnesses and disorders. Anxiety and stress are some of the most prevalent causes of mental health disturbances in daily life. Just like physical illnesses, severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder require professional attention, though other conditions are equally significant. In the hyperactive lifestyles we lead in the present day, stress is almost a universal occurrence. 33% of the time, it can lead to more serious mental health issues, and misconceptions about getting professional counselling for these issues can lead to people denying help when they need it. People may refrain from accepting or reaching out for professional guidance because they are afraid of being labelled as mentally ill by others. This is a severe misunderstanding of what mental health professionals do; these professionals assess the mental health needs, and help address the source of distress. This is applicable to many more than just those who are mentally ill. People can also consult with a mental health professional to talk about their feelings, problems, emotions, daily activities and could get help to better manage their mental health and function effectively in the society. Mental health professionals assist patients in developing healthy habits and coping mechanisms, allowing them to better handle stressful situations.

To conclude, every mental health issue that hinders or creates problems in a person’s daily life is worth a visit to a mental health counsellor, even if it’s just for advice. Mental health awareness campaigns have been on an upswing in the past few years, but there are still many who misunderstand the concept, which leads to ignorance and stigma. Their assumptions also give rise to fear and prejudice against those with mental health issues. People already struggling with internal struggles need love and care from their close ones without such misconceptions causing further distance and irrational fear. Thus, a person should always consider professional help when it’s needed, even if they don’t think they have a mental disorder.

References

• https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/10-mental-health-myths-debunked-to-clear-your-doubts-about-when-to-seek-help-1453398-2019-02-11

• https://www.talkspace.com/blog/truth-people-therapy-misconceptions-myths/

• https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/stress/related/stress-statistics/

• https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health

• https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-stress