Five Common Mental Health Myths That Held Me Back

Mental health disorders have become increasingly prevalent worldwide, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Whether attributed to heightened competition or the widespread epidemic of loneliness, the root causes of these issues are often elusive and multifaceted, unlike the straightforward nature of many physical ailments. However, what complicates matters further are the societal comments and misconceptions that surround mental health, often leading to harmful myths.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Week, it's important to address these misconceptions that not only trivialize the seriousness of mental health challenges but also contribute to their dismissal altogether. By debunking these myths, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that hinder proper understanding and support for those struggling with mental health issues.

Let's explore some of these myths I experienced in hopes of encouraging a more empathetic and informed approach to mental health.

1. Mental health issue is not an illness

One of the most harmful misconceptions in our society is the belief that mental health issues aren't as serious as physical illnesses. This misconception often leads to individuals struggling with mental health challenges feeling isolated and misunderstood. Instead of seeking help, they may feel pressured to suppress their feelings or dismiss them altogether.

But the truth is, mental health issues are just as debilitating as physical ailments. They inflict immense pain and suffering, even if their effects aren't always visible to the naked eye. While physical illnesses may manifest through observable symptoms, mental health struggles often remain hidden, causing internal turmoil that can lead to anxiety, panic attacks, and even thoughts of suicide.

If we could peer into the minds of those struggling with mental health issues, we would be shocked by the depth of their pain and the complexity of their struggles. Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence of the suffering caused by mental illness, many in society still fail to acknowledge it as a legitimate health concern deserving of compassion and proper treatment.

2. Are you mad?

When someone is diagnosed with a mental health condition, the immediate assumption by many is that the individual is 'mad'. Unfortunately, this perception carries with it a deeply negative connotation, relegating the person to a status of untouchability. Consequently, those who are suffering find themselves increasingly isolated as others begin to distance themselves. However, it's crucial for us, as a society, to recognize that mental health issues are just that—health issues. Using terms like 'mad' to describe certain behaviors only leads to harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings. It's essential to understand that anyone, regardless of their mental health status, can exhibit behaviors that might be considered 'mad'. By reframing our understanding and dialogue surrounding mental health, we can begin to dismantle the stigma and provide better support for those in need.

3. You are just lazy

Too often, society wrongly equates mental health issues with laziness, assuming that individuals struggling with these challenges are simply idle, sleeping their days away. This misconception leads to hurtful taunts and, even worse, pressures sufferers into activities they may not have the capacity for.

But let's address this directly, society: labelling mental health disorders as laziness only compounds the suffering for those already battling with their mental well-being. Individuals who are already wrestling with feelings of inadequacy or self-criticism find themselves plunged deeper into guilt due to society's misguided beliefs.

Let me be clear, mental illness affects a person to the point that they lose interest in everything, including life. The darkness of confusion and negativity clouds their minds, disconnecting them from reality. Every day becomes a struggle, devoid of hope or purpose. Some individuals may even seek solace in sleep, hoping to escape the turmoil within their minds, while others may find themselves unable to sleep at all.

4. Exercise, socialise and don't stress

I wish the healing process for mental health issues was this simple. Often, even those who acknowledge mental health challenges as legitimate illnesses tend to prescribe one-size-fits-all coping mechanisms and criticize those that the individual struggling with mental health chooses to employ. There seems to be a societal expectation of a standard approach to dealing with anxiety or other mental health issues, beyond which deviation is neither considered nor accepted.

But, society, remember that those who are suffering will know what works and what doesn't for them.  Pressuring them into activities or methods they dislike is counterproductive to their healing process. The road to recovery is complex and far from linear. It's not merely a matter of stopping overthinking or engaging in social interactions. Healing involves a series of ups and downs, where one moment you may feel on top of the world, only to plummet to rock bottom in the next.

5. Weak people commit suicide

Those who make such statements are not just callous but also self-centred. Thinking of suicide as a cowardly, foolish, or selfish act just shows how unaware people are of the suffering that suicide entails. Suicide is more than merely taking one's own life one day, as though going to bed and getting up were an everyday occurrence. When someone commits suicide, they die and are never going to come back. It is a death caused by a mental illness.

When someone tries it, they are so unhappy, hurt, and miserable that they conclude that death is preferable to life. Suicidal thoughts do not appear out of the blue. The fact that the victim cannot bring themselves to kill themselves causes it to gnaw at one's thoughts for a very long time. They consider the suffering that will accompany the dying process. They consider how it will affect their family members. But the anguish of living overwhelms all these reflections due to a lack of drive.

And in the end, they succeed one day. In what way does this constitute cowardice? How come people are so driven to condemn the life of a deceased person?

The above myths that I listed and tried to bust were part of my life. I have been suffering from multiple mental health disorders for years. I pop several pills to control my anxiety that don't let me wake up. My day starts with anxiety and the night ends with nightmares that make me howl. I have cried bitterly to the extent that sometimes I feel I have no tears left. And the worst part is that I have harmed myself and attempted suicide many times. And yet, my loved ones say, "If you die like this, I will never forgive you." 

Views expressed are the author's own.