There are a lot of "facts" that float around concerning mental disorders/illness. But are they truly facts? And what is it that you believe?
This week is Mental Health Week for BuzzFeed, so I thought this would be a great time to encourage you to educate yourself more on what is and what is not the case when it comes to disorders. Not sure what I mean? Here is a list of a few common myths about mental health:
1. People with mental illness are unpredictable and dangerous.
People with mental disorders are no more dangerous than everyone else. According to MentalHealth.gov, only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. Conversely, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.
2. Children cannot develop mental illnesses/disorders.
In fact, many disorders, such as depression and anxiety, start out from adolescence and grow into adulthood. There is no age cap.
3. Kids with mental disorders are the product of bad parenting.
Most mental illness is based on nature and nurture, not one or the other. Children with bad parents will not always have a mental disorder, and children with good parenting can still have a mental disorder. It's all about what goes on outside and inside.
4. Mental health problems are typically biological or genetically passed down.
This may be true for some cases, but definitely not all. As stated before, mental health is primarily based on both nature and nurture. The environment one is put in is just as important in determining your mental status as your genetic code is.
5. If a person has depression, that means that they're suicidal.
Depression can be a factor to someone becoming suicidal, but not all depressed individuals are suicidal.
6. Everyone gets depression as they get older.
Your risk for depression is higher as you age, but it does not mean or guarantee that you will be diagnosed.
7. People with mental illness never get better.
Support is one of the biggest factors in patients getting better. Not everyone has to see a therapist or take medicine for the rest of their life to feel better. Once a person learns how to live with their disorder, it becomes manageable and does gradually improve.
8. ADHD is just an excuse for bad behavior.
The brains of people with ADHD are actually structured and function differently than normal. This can be said for many disorders, not just ADHD. So, no, it's not an excuse. It is very real.
9. People with mental illness have to be hospitalized/cannot take care of themselves.
Not all mental illnesses are the same. Many can and are managed very well. Most can work and do things just as well as anyone else could with no problem.
10. Mental illness will never affect me.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 out of 5 individuals will have a diagnosable mental disorder within their lifetimes.
11. People with mental illness are weak.
Mental illness is not some "character flaw." A person with schizophrenia is not "a schizophrenic." Their illness does not define who they are. Being able to seek help is a sign of strength.
