The stigma associated with mental illness has contributed to the persistence of psychological disorders for many. People often fail to get the help they need because of the negative social connotations associated with psychological disorders. For this reason, among others, it’s critical to debunk these myths. Let’s take a look at some of the most common misperceptions about psychological disorders and dispel misconceptions associated with mental illness.
- A person with mental illness can “snap out of it.” A person with a psychological disorder can’t “snap out” of their disorder any more than a person with diabetes can cure themselves with willpower. Mental illness is a complex family of disorders created by interactions between a person’s environment and their biology, not a “bad attitude.”
- Mental illness cannot be treated. Most mental illnesses respond well to treatment, which may involve medication or therapy with a mental healthcare professional. Most psychological disorders respond well to medication and psychotherapy (talking therapy). With regular, consistent treatment, most people are able to achieve long-lasting relief from their symptoms.[1]
- Antidepressants can cure mental illness. Medications are often necessary tools on the road to recovery from mental illness, but by themselves, cannot “cure” any disorder. Medications for psychological disorders remove the biological impediments to a person living a more fulfilling life, but stress management, coping skills, relationship building, communication skills and so forth are still necessary.
- People with mental illness are dangerous or violent. This is an old and entrenched myth about mental illness. People with mental illness are much more likely to become the victim of violence than the average population.[2]
- Mental illness goes away on its own. Mental illness typically won’t go away on its own without being properly treated. The symptoms of a psychological disorder may cycle from mild to severe but without treatment, most mental illness will continue to be a problem.
- Mental illness is unusual. Quite the opposite is true. Over 50 million US adults have a diagnosable mental illness. Around 13 million of them could be diagnosed with a severe mental illness.
- People who seem odd or peculiar are mentally ill. A person’s personality may or not be appealing to others, but for a diagnosis of a mental illness to be made, an individual must be suffering an impairment to such a degree that their ability to live a life that’s satisfying to them is significantly hindered.
- You can easily tell who’s mentally ill. People with mental illness can be popular, high-achieving, and accomplished. Anyone at any level, race, or social status may be living with the burden of mental illness. It’s a condition that is absolutely non-discriminatory.
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.
