Good Lifestyle

Many people doubt the complexity and severity ofmental health problems because they usually can not be seen with the naked eye. And with so much stigma around mental illness, there are many misconceptions out there. But while you can be assured that your mental health problems are not "all in your head", these common mental health myths could be. To help dispel some rumors and misinformation, we gathered mental health myths most common that professionals say they have met and why perpetuate these false notions can be extremely harmful.

Mental health problems are not a simple solution like say, a broken leg would be.Mollie BirneyA consultant in clinical and recovery coach in Los Angeles, said one of the biggest mental health myths perpetuated she sees is the idea that someone can just "get rid" of the parties themselves, they are struggling to fight.

"The truth is that freedom is not to amputate these parts of ourselves, it isintegrating these pieces and building a relationship with them, so that, for example, have your anxiety, rather than you, "she said. Birney worried that too many people desperately hunted" mensongeable "that certain types of products or treatments can simply cure their depression, their depression, their trauma. instead, she said that these things can help change your relationship with your problems to manage them better.

And if you are looking for a treatment for mental health and that you "feel better" does not mean you never have to ask again for help. Psychotherapist based in Washington, D.C.Ellias Meira, LCSW-C, said the treatment is not a straight line. It's not because you "graduate" once the treatment, it does not mean that you should always deal with your sanity yourself.

"Just as life is not a straight line, or help," she said. "Life has its ups and downs, and sometimes it hits you in the head - perhaps a death of someone close to you, trauma, get shot, or even living through aglobal pandemic. "All these things and more can prevent you from seeking additional help, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Many people misinterpret the need for assistance on mental health as "a weakness or a character flaw," says psychiatristHong yin, MD, withNew psychiatric borders. This could not be further from the truth, she said.

"If anything, looking for help and admitting areas you have trouble displaying an incredible character and bravery," said Yin. "The search for professional help for mental health is a positive step in which people can recognize their need to acquire tools that can provide a stronger foundation in life."

The difficulties to mental health may be extremely difficult for many people. However, the idea that they face mental health problems can behave however they reflect poorly despite the community as a whole, according to the adviser based in Pennsylvania.Eric Patterson, LPC, who writes forSelect Therapy.

"One major misconception is that the excuse mental health problems of unwanted thoughts and behaviors or undesirable a person," he said. "Even if no one asks a mental disorder, they can, in most cases, take steps to address and change their lives. Therapy and medication are effective for those who choose to participate."

However, this does not mean that people can only reject the challenges of mental illness. As it is generally not visible, many people adopt judgments on those who are open about the struggles of mental health, sometimes suggesting that they are selfish, especially if they are struggling with addictions.

"For any reason, some people believe that those who have mental health problems are not, in fact," saysDaniel Dolowicz, toxicity specialist atCenter for Wellness and Treatment of Islands 1000. "It's not only disrespectful but discourteois too. Mental illness is the same as any other health sickness. Unfortunately, there are only a few with mental health diseases that can block this noise, Like many others can not. This stigma of mental health aggravates only the situation even more. "

Unfortunately, many peoplejudge parentsFor children's mental health issues, particularly with respect to behavioral disorders such as ADHD. If a child can not behave, many people think it's just because their parents can not control them. Not only is this myth harmful to parents - it is also harmful to a child's ability to get help.

"Adding shame to an already difficult situation prevents a parent of trusting their instinct, supporting their child how they need support and help," saysElaine Taylor-Klaus, PCC, parental coach and founder ofImpacttadhd.

Of course, ADHD is not the only mental illness parents are blamed. In fact, many people think that being a "better" parent will prevent their child from developing a mental illness.

"Many diseases have a genetic and biological component," saysGail Saltz, Psychiatrist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine. "A child can have a wonderful education but still suffers from a mental illness. Parents can refuse to recognize and seek treatment for the symptoms of their child's mental health because they feel that it is an indictment their parenthood. "

Since the disturbing is aCommon symptom of anxietyMany people assume that "disturbing" and "anxiety" are the same thing. However, Taylor-Klaus explains that while anyone who can experience a moment or a moment of "anxiety", everyone has not struggled with anxiety.

"Concern is a normal human emotion," she says. "Anxiety is anxiety of steroids when there is nothing really to fear. Say someone of anxiety", simply do not think that this way "is all that is equivalent to telling them to" grow grow up ". It does not allow them to navigate the feelings, it is wrong to feel this way, which reinforces a negative cycle and can actually lead to depression."

In the same spirit, many people think that "depression" is just a fantasy way to describe someone who is lazy. Instead of believing thatThis person really has troubleTaylor-Klaus says that many people minimize the amount of depression can be out of control of a person.

"It does not know the intense efforts he can take just to get up or get out of bed every day," she says. "Depression is incredibly exhausting and it is chemical. To say that it is not real removed from any inclination, a person might have to implement, pushing pain beyond, or even searching for things that could help They change the chemical situation like exercise or human connection. "

Many people think that their greatest attention to detail is the same as the experience ofSomeone diagnosed with OCD. Psychiatrist based on ConnecticutMark D. Rego, MD, says it minimizes the breathtaking nature that people who are struggling with the disorder are truly confronted.

"The OCD is a debilitating disorder in which one is forces of thrusts and unwanted thoughts to wash, to check or make other rituals," he says. "Detail and be in control of something, it's not OCD. Unfortunately, we use the same word," obsessive ", to label the personality style, that it can describe."

Personal care is important and necessary For so many people. However, it isnot A solution to solve all your problems, especially if you face real mental health problems. Pre-licensed mental health advisorMaria Reyes, MS, owner ofResilient spirit work, says that many people use face masks and bubble baths as a way to "flee" their problems. However, she explains that people must first understand why they "trigger, stressed, stressed or reacting" as they are, so that they can ask for help for these problems. Personal care is only temporary help in case of problem deeper into play.

Your friends can be great people to turn during difficult times. But no, your friend's advice is not the same as looking for a therapist, says Reyes. In fact, many therapists do not really offer "advice", in itself. Instead, they "occupy space, listen, empathient, educate and ask questions" that will help you dig deeper to the root of your problems. According to Reyes, "therapists are equipped with good questions" to help you find the answers you need in yourself.

Just because your life isapparently go wellFrom an outdoor perspective does not mean that you can not fight against mental illness - yet so many people think that a good life means that you are always "happy", according to the certified health mental consultantClaire's hairdresser, founder ofTetic.

"Yes, indeed, we should eachaspire to be happy With what we have, and when we have a lot of good things in our lives, we could have more reasons to smile. But sometimes there is a chemical imbalance in our brain that will simply not let us feel stable, no matter how things are fine, "says Barber." Not realizing it can lead to feelings of guilt and even shame that working and being in a good mood, one can feel like an intense struggle. You could be frustrated by yourself to be ungrateful. If you feel these symptoms, know it might be more result than the eye and you might need to make an appointment with a therapist or a psychiatrist to talk about your concerns. »

Many people see a serious diagnosis of mental illness as a destruction of life. ClinicianLauren Cook, MMFT, founder ofThe sunny girlsays that many people think they can be diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, they can no longer "finish school, hold a job or be in a happy relationship." However, she says that with appropriate help and treatment, many of these same people continue to "lead an incredibly happy and successful life."

There are many treatment options that are expensive, says Cook. However, notall The treatment option is expensive and the idea that there are no optional options that expensive treatment is harmful for those who want to ask for help but think they can not afford.

"There are cost options that are certainly put at your disposal," she says. "If you are not sure where to start, I recommend calling your university or community college nearby for a list of references for low-cost options. They are required to provide you with resources, then N ' Do not hesitate to reach. "

Stigma around mental illness has caused a lot to believe that people with mental illness are intrinsically more violent than people without, according toPatricia Celan, MD, a resident of psychiatry at Dalhousie University in Canada.

"This stigmatizing belief often leads to the mental patients to be socially isolated because other people are afraid of potential danger," she says. "Unfortunately, social ostracization can aggravate mental illness, while a favorable community can improve the results of people who are struggling with a psychiatric condition. This myth is particularly unfair because people with mental illnesses are actually more likely to be vulnerable and to be victims of violence rather than committing violence. "

When you photograph a person suffering from depression, it is common to suppose they are neglected, dressed badly, and just "sad. This myth is oftenperpetuated by depressed characters on television, which appear in this way for a dramatic effect.

"If we have not had any struggling with mental health problems or are not very close to someone who has, [television programs] may be our only reference," saysAmanda Webster, a corporal wellness practitioner of the certified spirit that has been diagnosed with serious mental illness. "It's dangerous because it ignores the fact that people with mental health problems have learned to hide their pain and would not show it standard in a standard way. I had a complete makeup and had to leave at hours in concert before taking my life. "

Many people believe that therapy is only for those who have a mental illness, saysConvin of Jennifer, LCSW, a psychotherapist withLive solutions. However, many people who turn to therapy are simply looking for "emotional well-being".

"The therapy does not need to be on something wrong," she says. "Introspection is the most important gift we can give ourselves. For example, when feelings take the scene in the center - when fear or sadness embarrassments to do what we need to do or we want to be - We are in a state of imbalance. A therapist can serve as an emotional coach or translator between the heart and the spirit. The therapeutic relationship makes it possible to safely treat these feelings. "

Many people assume that if you tell stories of fighting with anxiety and depression, you only exaggerate for attention. However, Rego says that anxiety and depression actually go by hand more often than you could achieve.

Anxiety "is a common common depression symptom," he says. "Depression always involves a negativemoodBut this change could be sadness, irritability or apathy. New appearance, a severe anxiety is almost always depression, unless certain very difficult life circumstances have occurred. The depression of women has a very important anxiety. "

Many people who face severe repression of depression are misled by the common notion that will come and go, like a "phase they will pass in front," saysJamie Bacharach, health coach and medical acupuncturist approved withAcupuncture Jerusalem.

"It's an adaptation mechanism born of fear, that people adopt because they are afraid to accept the depression they suffer," she says. "The feelings of depression should never be dismissed or taken on a slight refusal to cope with your depression as soon as you feel it will only make things worse and that you are attending the help you need."

The notion that mental illness is not really all that common is a huge myth perpetuated in part because people want to believe that "it will not affect people like them," saysMolly Carmel, LSCW, founder ofThe tag program. However, according to theCenters for Disaster Control and Prevention(CDC), this is not the case. According to their statistics, more than 50% of people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental illness or a disorder at some point in their lives.

As many people so wish (and believe), they can love someone enough to solve all their problems, they can not. Specialist in behavioral changesLynell Ross, founder ofZivadream, says that this type of thought can damage the person who tries to help and fight the person.

"Without education and support, we will not manage these relationships and make them often worse, hurt and others in the process," she says. "Difficult situations such as these require professional help for a loved one with a person with mental health or dependency problems, so that they can learn to take care of themselves. It is common for the Being expensive becomes physically sick or develops anxiety themselves if they do not receive help and learn more about ways to manage the situation. "

Many people are afraid to talk openly about suicide can actually make a person who tries her, declares a certified professional advisorAJITA Mr. Robinson, Executive Director ofFriends in Transition Consulting Services. However, Robinson says there is no evidence to suggest that. Instead, the data supports a person on any suicidal trends, as this will increase the "likelihood that a person discloses and seeks support". After all, most people who plan to commit suicide want help but are not prepared to look for it.

There are many places where mental health is always considered something embarrassing that should be "guarded hidden", saysJay Shifman, a mastery of addiction and mental health.

"For example, a recent study revealed that [many] HR professionals were not comfortable dealing with an employee with a substance and extension disorder, the question of whether or Not that you shoot someone to have trouble with an addiction was a real topic of conversation., "He says. "You would never consider shooting someone who had cancer. But this type of approach means that it is safer for people with a substance use disorder for just not to talk about it. Therefore, Stigma."

Robinson says that drugs are not a sentence of life to everyone. It's not because you start a prescription treatment for depression or anxiety does not mean you will need to take it for the rest of your life.

"Many people could benefit from drug management while engaging in therapy," she says. "Many people can develop adaptation skills that can better identify and handle things that trigger feelings of anxiety and depression and are able to eventually reduce - and even eliminate - the use of management medication".