Common Misconceptions About Mental Health

by darlenemarm, Jun 2, 2008

Sharing from personal experience some of the generally misunderstood aspects of mental illness.

Many people do not understand mental illnesses. They think it is a thing the person can control by sheer willpower. How many times have you heard it said , “He should just SNAP out of it!” this is equivalent to saying someone should just “snap out” of diabetes, cancer, heart problems, or any other physical malady.

Just getting out of bed in the morning can be a challenge for a mentally ill person. Personal hygiene is one of the first things that is let go. It is hard to even go do necessary shopping since it is difficult to be around people--especially large numbers of people and unfamiliar ones.

Concentration is disrupted which makes it tough to read a book, watch TV, balance a checkbook, etc. Hobbies, relationships, and activities that were enjoyed are not important anymore.

Mental illness is caused by many factors. Heredity plays a part for some patients. Our society's pressures and expectations contribute many stresses. Losses (of job, divorce, death of loved ones , health, independence, wealth, etc.) are situational stressors that can be instrumental in triggering mental illness. Making poor choices such as drug experimentation can contribute to mental illness. When someone is mentally ill they often can no longer do their jobs so financial problems are added to their burdens.

There are many good books and the internet for researching specific types of mental illnesses. My goal is not to delve into each type of mental illnesses but to provide support for the caregivers (family, friends, etc.) of the patient. Therefore, I will be submitting more articles on specific topics for this purpose.

27
Liked It

I Like It!

Tags:

Top 10 Misconceptions About Mental Illness | Mental Health - a Social Disease?

Latest Articles in Mental Health

Depression Can Be Serious | Stress: New Ways To Overcome The Monster

Comments (25)

Subscribe by RSS

#1 by Kim L, Jun 7, 2008

I am glad that more is written on how common mental illness is and that it is an illness, which should not make someone ashamed to admit that they have mental issues. The stigma behind mental illness is still prevalent today and this needs to be changed. Alerting the general population will help to give support and comfort to those with mental illnesses and their family and caregivers as well.

#2 by Angela, Jun 7, 2008

My mother suffers from a mental illness, and my mother-in-law is actually currently in the hospital right now because of issues with bipolar disorder. I try to be supportive, but it is difficult because while she is in the thick of the worst part she won't listen to people telling her that she needs to go get help. And unfortunately, because of the nature of her mental illness and her personality sometimes other friends make things worse unintentionally. I look forward to reading more of your articles on this, because this is an issue I have to deal with regularly.

#3 by Charli, Jun 8, 2008

Oh I can't stand it when I hear someone who is depressed say snap out of it as if they can do it just like that. If they could snap out of it, they would! It's not like they enjoy feeling sad all the time. But someone who has not suffered depression can feel that it's a choice when it isn't. A depressed person needs help.

#4 by Sara, Jun 8, 2008

It's sad that so many people today still believe that mental illness is some kind of character flaw. They just don't realize the effort that some mentally ill people have to go through just to simply get out of bed. I get really upset when people use words like "psycho" to describe someone with mental illness.

#5 by Zoray, Jun 9, 2008

I agree that the persistent stigma associated with mental illness is misguided at best, and horribly destructive at worst. A prime example is when people suffering from emotional or behavioral disorders don't seek appropriate care because they are afraid of that stigma. It is heartening to see more online resources, like this one, that will give people easier access to much needed information regarding mental illness, and perhaps help pave those first painful steps toward recovery.

#6 by Fran Zeitler, Jun 10, 2008

I am so glad that you are going to give help to the caregivers of people who have mental health issues. I have seen friends struggle with the day-to-day problems of caring for a loved one and not knowing where to turn. I know how upset I get when I hear someone tell them that their loved one needs to just toughen up! I can't imagine how they must feel. Thank you for offering a helping hand.

#7 by Nadica, Jun 11, 2008

Nice of you to pay attention to this important things in life!

#8 by Debby Speights, Jun 17, 2008

This article is an actual relief that there are understanding people. It really is difficult to suffer with depression & anxiety without support from family or friends. Most have those misconceptions mentioned in the article. I have been told to quit using depression for an excuse. Obviously I haven't done so to stay away from family or friends but because I couldn't help it. This illness is not like a common headache, it is more and people need to understand and support those that are suffering. Thank you for this wonderful article.

#9 by YvetteH, Jun 17, 2008

Thank you for this article. Not enough is said about this subject. So many people are touched either directly or indirectly by mental ilness..it could be a familiy member or a co-worker. I never thought I would personally be affected..until it hit home with my brother. The illness that he is going through is hard to bear, but articles and posted comments like these help me to know that others have experienced this illness also.and gives me support and understanding.

#10 by Cilantro, Jun 18, 2008

Over 50% of Americans are mentally ill, as defined by the DSM, at some point in their lives.

Conscious thought can play a large role in mental illness, because in some ways the brain can change the brain, but willpower alone is usually not enough to start the process of recovery.

If someone doubts that minds are a function of brains, or that "mental illness" is a physical illness, show them brain scans and numbers. You can't argue with an abnormal glia ratio. It's the same concept as someone refusing to believe that your leg pain is the result of a broken bone; they might pay attention to an xray.

#11 by Nick Jones, Jun 18, 2008

It is not accepted in todays world that mental illness is behaviour flaw. We need to understand that the people have to just get out of this. It is really insane when differents words like "psycho" which is used to potray a character with mental illness.

#12 by Michelle Williams, Jun 18, 2008

I appreciate and applaud this article. It is important that people (mentally healthy or not) realize the extent to which mental illness can affect ones life. Simple, everyday tasks become a burden when dealing with a mental illness. The article points out that mental illness should be taken as seriously as physical ailments and conditions which is so true. Hopefully this and future articles will help people realize they are not alone and that getting treatment for their problem is nothing to be ashamed about.

#13 by Chris, Jun 18, 2008

Well written and it certainly hit home since people close to me have unfortunately suffered from the effects of severe mental illness. Those who have never dealth with mental illness do not realize that those who are mentally ill do not want to be that way and cannot just change. I look forward to reading more of your writings inthe future.

#14 by FCUK, Jun 18, 2008

I am glad to see people trying to explain to those of us who are not directly affected by mental illness just what it is all about.

#15 by Laurie, Jun 18, 2008

Unless you have been closely involved with someone who suffers from severe depression or mental illness it is very hard to fully appreciate how difficult it is for them and those who love them.

Education is needed to hopefully increase compassion and understanding.

#16 by Dibakar Acharjee, Jun 19, 2008

That types is not accepted in todays world that mental illness is behaviour flaw. Unless you have been closely involved with someone who suffers from severe depression or mental illness it is very hard to fully appreciate how difficult it is for them and those who love them. I have been told to quit using depression for an excuse. Obviously I haven't done so to stay away from family or friends but because I couldn't help it.Those who have never dealth with mental illness do not realize that those who are mentally ill do not want to be that way and cannot just change.

#17 by Whitney, Jun 19, 2008

I am very glad that someone finally is trying to get it across that mental illness cannot just be overcome! It is something real people have to live with everyday and cannot change!

#18 by Understanding, Jun 19, 2008

Mental health still has a stigma in this country.Many people have mental health problems but are too ashamed to seek help.
So many people do not understand that this is a disease and in many cases has a biological component. It's not being lazy or anything that you can just wish away. Thanks for helping in bringing attention to it.

#19 by KMD, Jun 19, 2008

Amen that this issue is slowly seeping its way into the forefront of the public psyche. I have often wondered why society in general stigmatizes mental illness and perceives it as a character defect and blames the patient, whereas a person with diabetes (as noted in the article) is not blamed. Although I do believe that overmedication is a problem in this country, some anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications (among others) literally save the lives of the people who suffer from these very real and debilitating mental illnesses. THANK YOU for adding to the growing number of people who are facing this issue in a professional, compassionate, and nonjudmental manner.

#20 by Logan, Jun 19, 2008

I liked how it compared the harshness of mental illness to the harshness of illnesses that most people would consider horrible. It made me realize for the first time the realities of mental illnesses. I am glad I read this article, and I now realize why my sister works with mentaly disable people.

#21 by Maggie, Jun 19, 2008

I think you showed real insight into the problem of mental illness. It's very true that depression affects the most basic parts of one's daily routine.

#22 by L, Jun 20, 2008

Thanks for your cogent comments on mental health. I and other family members have suffered from depression, anxiety, and possibly bi-polar issues. A good psychiatrist and good psycho-therapists have certainly helped us. Also, as a support for caregivers and family members, Nami-Familya is a great resource. Google them!

#23 by Jenni, Jun 20, 2008

I am glad that someone wrote an article about this. That is all I hear my brother's teachers say to him is that he should just pay attention and no behave the way that he does. He has many mental inhibitors that prevent him from paying attention. It should be something these teachers are being taught so they are better apt to deal with children who can't help it.

#24 by Mary, Jun 20, 2008

Very interesting article. People really should have more compassion for others and not be so quick to judge.

#25 by Katie, Jun 20, 2008

It pleases me that attention is being drawn to the needs of the mentally ill. While it may not be entirely genetic, it's not entirely environmental, either. It's ridiculous for people to assume that those with mental illnesses are able to coherently "snap out of it", and I appreciate your article on this. Thank you.

Inside Healthmad

Healthmad
About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy

Services
Submit an Article
Advertise with Us

Contact

Common Misconceptions About Mental Health

Sharing from personal experience some of the generally misunderstood aspects of mental illness.

Addiction

Aging

Alternative

Beauty

Children

Conditions and Diseases

Disabilities

Fitness

Health

Healthcare Industry

Home Health

Medicine

Men's Health

Mental Health

Nursing

Nutrition

Occupational Health and Safety

Senior Health

Teen Health

Travel Health

Weight Loss

Women