Mental Disorder are just myths?

As per a report released by WHO, 8 lakh people commit suicide every year which means that society loss more than two thousand people because of suicide every day. This statistical data looks very frightened. But is suicide the only option or is it the last option? 

Cancer and other physical or biological diseases are deemed to be more fatal than mental sickness and depression. The viewpoint is partially incorrect because both are equally deadly for humans. A cancer patient can freely talk to anyone but a person suffering from depression and anxiety attack will think thousand of times to tell his problem because of myths and stigma.

Stigma is a set of negative beliefs that a person holds. Some of the myths and stigmas related to mental illness are- 

Stigmas Related to Mental Health

• Mental illness excuse for bad behaviour-

‘Normal people’ believe that mental health is just an excuse for their bad behaviour and they have a negative attitude and ego that stops them to talk with others. 

• Judged negatively-

The fear of being judged negatively is the biggest fear that a person has. The victim does not share things as no one can understand the feeling because of a lack of knowledge. Rather they will judge them.

• It is believed normal-

Feeling bad and depression have very narrow differences. If you feel bad for a long period of time and are not enjoying your favourite food, your favourite games and your favourite things, then it is something to care off. But talking to the friends, parents regarding these things will not give the right result, they will say  cliché dialogues like ‘it is JUST a normal behaviour.’ People do not believe that it is a serious issue.

 

• Weakness and character weakness- 

 

Most people will think that depression is only for weak people. Their character is negative and they are not mentally strong. Some people think that social status is important than mental status. These kinds of people do not talk to any other person.

• Mental illness and depression are assumed as attending gaining-

Because of a lack of education related to mental health, people assume it as an attention-seeking act.  

 One should openly talk about it to those whom we believe too. Openly talking will not solve the problem but will make us realise that we are not alone. This will reduce the risk of its consequence. 

Wealth, physical appearance, and other such factors will never indicate that a person is suffering from mental illness. A rich person with a good physique can also have problems like depression.    

Consequences of bad Mental health-

• Impacts on Social, Emotional, and Physical Health-

In their first year and beyond, students with poor mental health may have difficulties adapting to college. Being away from home and making decisions for the first time might stress some students to the point of being unable to cope. Because of the loneliness and isolation that frequently accompany mental health issues like depression, some students may have problems and concerns that make it difficult for them to relate to others. These transition issues may be more evident among students who have previously been diagnosed with a mental disorder when they arrive on campus.

• Anxiety can weaken the immune system-

Anxiety attacks and stressors have a severe impact on our bodies. It can weaken the immune system. Isolation and sadness also have a negative impact on hormones. It weakens the work of the Adrenaline System.  Adrenaline is responsible for ‘flight-or-fight responses. 

• Suicidal thoughts-

Suicidal thoughts are most common in depression. When a person is not happy and satisfied with his life, when no one is with the person in his bad times, he may think of losing his life. The cognitive aptitude of a mentally unhealthy person is not good. 

• Alcohol, Tobacco and Smoking Addiction-

It is observed that a person who is mentally weak and is depressed is more prone to Alcohol, Tobacco, Smoking and other such addiction. Nicotine in cigarettes will reduce the ability to think and weaken the dopamine release. 

He may feel stress-free for short. But in long term reality, he is becoming more depressed by smoking and drinking. 

How to break the stigma related to mental health- 

There are several ways to break the stigma related to mental health. Some of them are:

Ways to break Mental Health Myths-

• Educated the people about mental health-

In spite of the fact that the literacy rate of the world is increasing. Many people do not understand the seriousness of Mental Health. In our education curriculum, the government should encourage, soft skills like dealing with Mental health. The Right approach and positive language are to be used while conversing with a mentally unwell person.   

• Be Open-minded-

Be open-minded. Adapt to the changes in life.  Change the perspective of living. Do not focus on myths. This is only possible after reading many good self-help books. Being open-minded widen your view of thinking and looking at things. 

Listen to others who experienced the same- 

A psychiatrist and a person who has experienced and gone through depression can only understand and then solve the problem.  

• Create a safe and supportive environment- 

Live with the person who has victimized frequent depression and now they are totally right. They will, on one hand, motivate you and on the other hand, they will teach you about their learning on mental health. There are many online communities that you can join to get advice from experts. 

• Raise awareness related to Mental Health-

The majority of awareness-raising initiatives are multi-faceted and take place during a certain time of year when key stakeholders come together to participate in activities aimed at raising public awareness of mental health concerns. Frequently, an advocacy group or a network of groups is engaged. For example, the World Health Organization has designated October 10 as World Mental Health Day, encouraging all stakeholders involved in mental health to talk about their work, raise global awareness of mental health issues, and consider what else needs to be done to make mental healthcare a reality for people suffering from mental illnesses.

• Be Up Front About Your Treatment

“I use the fact that I visit a therapist and a psychiatrist to combat stigma. Why is it that people may claim they have an appointment with their primary care physician without fear of being criticised, but not with mental health professionals?” Ysabel Garcia 

We have to understand that Mental illness is true like global warming and corruption. If it would be the myth, then why do thousands of people suffering from depression and other such problems commit suicide, heart attack, etc.  

However, in recent years, the problem is reduced. The credit should be given to the internet. At the same time, I would like to mention that it will end when we a person will talk about his problem to his parents, teachers, boss, sibling. When the person will not be in a state of denial, that day we can break all the stigma. And this will only be possible once society is educated and all the myths related to mental health is broken. 

Thank you a lot for reading. Read our other blogs.

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