Mental illness is common in the United States, with about 50 million adults having any mental illness, regardless of severity. About 13 million adults out of that number live with severe mental illness.[1] With these numbers, you might expect there to be few lingering myths about psychological disorders, but that’s incorrect. Myths about mental illness are common and they’re not harmless. They contribute to stigma and they interfere with people getting the help they need.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common mental health myths and find out the facts.
- People with mental health problems are dangerous. In fact, people with mental illness are no more dangerous than any other segment of society. Ironically, people with mental illness are about 10 times more likely to be the victim of violence than other groups.[2]
- Having a mental illness prevents a person from having a “normal” life. People with mental illness who get treatment are as able to have a satisfying and pleasing life as those without psychological disorders.
- People with mental illness cannot have jobs or careers. About 55 percent of people with moderate to severe mental illness are employed, while 70 percent of those with mild mental illness are regularly employed. People with treated mental illness have the same levels of productivity as those without psychological disorders.
- Mental illness is a sign of weakness. People with mental illness often struggle through and overcome profound challenges simply to survive. People with mental illness are often able to summon vast reserves of resilience when coping successfully with their disorder.
- Medication is enough to treat psychological disorders. For many people, medication is necessary, but not sufficient for recovery from mental illness. Mental health is part of a person’s complete life context. t affects everything in a person’s life. Psychotherapy can help a person learn coping skills specifically related to their illness.
- There is no recovery from mental illness. Quite the opposite is true. With the right treatment, mental illness can go into remission.
- Mental illness is just attention-seeking. Mental illness is a legitimate kind of illness that is real. People tend to hide it, not exaggerate it.
- Children cannot be mentally ill. Unfortunately, children can have a mental illness. The most common psychological disorders of childhood include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) depression and anxiety.
The most common mental illnesses include depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Each of these illnesses responds well to consistent treatment, with the most effective treatment including medication and therapy. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” helps a person learn coping skills, reduce or eliminate symptoms, and get support.
If you’ve been struggling, Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
[1] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml
