Written by Samantha Carter

Despite increased awareness in recent years, mental illness is still a topic that faces significant stigma and misunderstanding. Misconceptions about mental health conditions not only perpetuate false beliefs but also discourage individuals from seeking the help they need.

That’s why we’re dispelling 22 common misconceptions about mental illness to break down the stigmas that surround it. Additionally, we’ll offer many resources and support for those who need it. Here at Plus by APN, the statement “mental health matters” is not just a cliche. Let us explain why.

Misconception #1: Mental Illness Is Rare

Many people believe that mental illness is rare, yet it is actually quite common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are widespread, affecting millions globally.

Misconception #2: Mental Illness Is a Sign of Weakness

Some people also believe that mental illness is a sign of weakness and a lack of willpower. However, mental illness has nothing to do with personal strength. Rather, it’s a medical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their resilience or determination.

Just like physical illnesses, mental health conditions require proper treatment and support. Additionally, research is now showing that vulnerability is actually a sign of courage and strength, not weakness.

Misconception #3: Mental Illness Is All in Your Head

Another common misconception is that mental illness is not real and it’s just something people imagine. In reality, mental illnesses are real medical conditions that involve changes in brain chemistry, structure, and function. They can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior, and often require treatment just like any other medical condition.

Misconception #4: People with Mental Illness Are Dangerous

Some people fear that individuals with mental illness are violent and unpredictable.
However, data shows that the vast majority of people with mental illness are not violent. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. This misconception contributes to the stigmatization of mental health and creates unnecessary trepidation that can create barriers to people seeking treatment.

Misconception #5: Mental Illnesses Are Not Curable

There is a misunderstanding that once you have a mental illness, you can never recover. Yet, many people with mental health conditions can and do recover with the right treatment and support. While some mental illnesses may be chronic, many individuals lead fulfilling lives by managing their symptoms effectively.

Misconception #6: Children Can’t Have Mental Illness

Believe it or not, some people think that mental illness only affects adults, not children. However, children and adolescents can and do experience mental health conditions. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can emerge in childhood and should be taken seriously. According to the American Psychological Association, an estimated 20 million American adolescents are currently diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Misconception #7: Medication Is a Crutch

To some, taking medication for mental illness comes off as a sign of weakness and reliance. Yet, medications can be a crucial part of managing mental health conditions, helping to balance brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms. Taking medication is a valid and effective treatment option, not a sign of weakness.

Misconception #8: Only People with Severe Symptoms Need Help

There is a belief that people should only need to seek help for their mental health symptoms if they are severe. In reality, mental health support is beneficial at any stage, whether symptoms are mild or severe. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve a person’s overall quality of life.

Misconception #9: Mental Illness Is a Result of Bad Parenting

Certain people feel that poor parenting is the cause of mental illness in children.
It’s important to note, however, that while environmental factors can influence mental health, mental illnesses are not caused by parenting alone. Genetics, biology, and other factors play a significant role in the development of mental health conditions.

Misconception #10: Therapy Is Just Talking About Your Problems

One barrier that keeps people from coming to therapy is a belief that it’s nothing more than venting your problems to a stranger. In actuality, therapy is a structured and evidence-based approach that can help individuals develop coping strategies, change harmful thought patterns, and improve their overall mental health. It’s much more than just talking; it’s a therapeutic process guided by trained professionals.

Misconception #11: Mental Illness Is a Personal Failure

Unfortunately, there is a judgement that developing a mental illness means you’ve failed in some way. Nevertheless, mental illness is not a personal failure. It is a medical condition, like diabetes or heart disease, that can affect anyone. Blaming oneself for having a mental illness only perpetuates the stigma and hinders recovery.

Misconception #12: All Mental Illnesses Are the Same

Another common misconception is that all mental illnesses are similar and can therefore be treated in the same way. Yet, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mental health conditions are diverse and vary greatly in symptoms, severity, and treatment needs. That’s why it’s important that each individual’s experience with mental health treatment is unique, as their experiences will be too.

Misconception #13: You Can Always Tell When Someone Has a Mental Illness

There is this idea that it’s easy to spot someone with a mental illness because they look or act differently. However, many people with mental illness appear completely “normal” because they manage their symptoms effectively and/or they don’t reach out for help. It’s important to remember that mental health conditions are not often visible, and assumptions about someone’s mental state based on appearance alone can be misleading.

Misconception #14: Mental Illness Is a Choice

Mental illness is not a choice, despite some people believing it is. Rather, it’s a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. No one chooses to have a mental health condition, and they should not be blamed for it.

Misconception #15: Stress Causes Mental Illness

Have you ever heard someone say, “just stop stressing so much,” in response to an explanation of burnout or mental distress? That’s because there’s a misconception that stress is the sole cause of mental illness. While stress can exacerbate mental health conditions, it’s not the only cause of a mental health condition. Rather, mental illness results from a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, and more.

Misconception #16: People with Mental Illness Can’t Hold Down a Job

Some people think that individuals with mental health conditions are incapable of working or being productive. In reality, many people with mental health conditions lead successful and productive lives, including maintaining steady employment. With proper treatment and support, individuals with mental illness can thrive in their careers.

Misconception #17: You Can’t Help Someone with Mental Illness

Unfortunately, certain people believe there’s nothing you can do to help someone with a mental health condition. However, support from friends, family, and loved ones can be incredibly valuable for someone experiencing mental illness. Therefore, offering understanding, empathy, and encouragement can make a significant difference for someone struggling with mental distress.

Misconception #18: Mental Health Treatment Is a Waste of Money

To some, spending money on mental health treatment is not worthwhile. Nevertheless, investing in mental health services can lead to improved well-being, productivity, and quality of life. The benefits of mental health care far outweigh the costs and can be life-changing for many individuals. Just because you’ve tried one treatment and it didn’t work, does not mean another treatment won’t offer support or relief. The truth is you never know until you try.

Misconception #19: People with Mental Illness Can’t Make Decisions

Another unfortunate misconception is that people with mental health conditions are incapable of making decisions for themselves. While mental illness can affect decision-making abilities, it does not mean that individuals are entirely incapable of making choices.

With the right support, people with mental health conditions can make informed decisions about their lives and treatment. Additionally, there’s a wide range of mental illnesses, so it’s important not to make blanket assumptions about mental health as a whole.

Seeking Support: Therapy and Other Mental Health Services

Breaking down the misconceptions about mental illness is just the first step. The next step is seeking the right support and treatment. There are many different types of mental health support available, each tailored to meet various needs. Below is a summary of some of the most effective mental health services available today.

Therapy

Therapy, or counseling, involves talking with a trained mental health professional to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. There are various types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy, each offering different approaches to treatment.

Psychiatry and Medication Management

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. Medication management is often an essential part of treatment, particularly for conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Deep TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can help improve mental clarity, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for mental health conditions.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that trains individuals to regulate their brain wave activity. It can be helpful for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD by promoting healthier brain function.

Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been found to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects, particularly for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. Administered in a controlled medical setting, ketamine treatment can provide relief when traditional antidepressants are ineffective. It works by altering the brain’s neurotransmitters, which can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

The Stellate Ganglion Block is an innovative procedure that involves an injection of a local anesthetic near a group of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. This block has been found to reduce symptoms of PTSD and severe anxiety by calming the body’s fight-or-flight response. It offers a unique approach to treating trauma-related conditions that might not otherwise respond to traditional therapies.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a type of psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It involves recalling distressing events while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact, making it particularly effective for individuals with PTSD.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

MBSR is a structured program that teaches mindfulness meditation to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It combines meditation, body awareness, and yoga to promote relaxation and enhance the ability to manage difficult emotions. MBSR has been shown to improve overall well-being and is often used as a complementary approach in mental health care.

Support Groups and Peer Support

Support groups offer a space for individuals with similar mental health challenges to share their experiences and provide mutual support. Peer support groups, often led by individuals who have experienced similar struggles, can be incredibly empowering and help reduce feelings of isolation. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding, which can be a crucial component of recovery.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling

Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in mental health. Nutritional counseling focuses on optimizing diet to support brain health, while lifestyle counseling may address exercise, sleep, and stress management. These interventions aim to improve overall physical health, which in turn can enhance mental well-being.

Art and Music Therapy

Art and music therapy are creative approaches to mental health treatment that allow individuals to express themselves through artistic and musical mediums. These therapies can help process emotions, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem, particularly for those who find it difficult to articulate their feelings through traditional talk therapy.

Holistic and Integrative Approaches

Holistic mental health approaches integrate traditional treatments with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and herbal medicine. These methods focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just the symptoms of mental illness. They offer a comprehensive approach to mental health care that can be tailored to individual needs.

Breaking Down Stigma and Seeking Support

It’s important to remember that seeking help for mental health is not a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous and proactive step towards well-being. Still, the stigma surrounding mental illness often prevents people from reaching out for the support they need. By understanding the realities of mental health conditions, we can help break down these barriers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are many effective treatment options available. Whether it’s through therapy, medication, or innovative treatments like deep TMS or ketamine therapy, support is within reach. Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding the right combination of treatments and supports that work for you, regardless of the misconceptions others may have. You got this!

Holistic Mental Healthcare with Plus by APN & All Points North

Here at Plus by APN, we truly believe in a holistic, integrated approach to mental health. That’s why we offer a combination of traditional and alternative mental health therapies to better meet individuals where they’re at and seek solutions that actually work.

Whether through our psychiatry, medication management, and therapy services, or our cutting-edge alternative treatments like Deep TMS, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, stellate ganglion block, ketamine treatment, and neurofeedback, we offer something for everyone. To learn more about our comprehensive suite of services, contact us today at 877.507.7675.

We also provide a variety of additional therapies through our inpatient and outpatient programs for mental health, addiction, and trauma recovery. Whatever path you’re on, we’re here to help you navigate it.

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