Debunking 12 myths about mental health

Popular culture, the audiovisual industry and the media have, over the decades, favored the stigmatization and perpetuation of negative stereotypes that have been associated with people suffering from mental disorders.

Despite the numerous awareness campaigns and the large volume of information available about the reality and day-to-day life of people who live with a disorder, there are still many false beliefs about mental health that prevent us from talking about it normally.

The vast majority of these statements are far from reality, do not prove any scientific basis, produce attitudes of rejection and intolerance and generate discomfort for the affected people and their environment.

Let's debunk 12 stigmatizing myths!

1. People with a mental disorder are violent and aggresive

People with mental disorders, even severe ones, are not violent. They are as likely to experience violent episodes as anyone else. On the contrary, they are more vulnerable to being victims of violence and other types of crime than people without a mental health disorder.

2. They cannot live in society because they cannot adapt

People who suffer from a mental disorder can coexist perfectly in society if they have the necessary supports and resources to lead an independent and autonomous life. Having a good social network: professional, family, friends, partner, ..., predicts a better outcome and is a protective factor against relapses.

3. People with a mental health disorder will never recover

Some mental disorders are chronic and in this sense will accompany the person throughout his life, but with adequate treatment, support and follow-up, recovery is possible.

4. They can't work

They can work like any other person if they are given the necessary conditions and supports to do so. On many occasions, the barrier so that they cannot work does not derive from the disorder itself, but from the poor preparation of society and administrations to provide the necessary resources. Developing a job has great benefits for anyone because it helps improve self-esteem and facilitate a routine in day to day life.

5. It won't happen to me

Mental disorders do not understand age, sex, culture or economic situation, they do not discriminate and can affect anyone. They are more common than is assumed. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their life.

6. People with a mental disorder are better off in a mental health hospital

Many people, sometimes out of ignorance, reject the possibility of coexistence with diversity. Community treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment. At present, with some exceptions, mental health hospitals are understood as temporary containment spaces for acute episodes. People who are cared for in the community show a better and more sustained evolution over time. 

7. If someone suffers from a disorder, it is because they drink, use drugs or do not take care of himself

Drug use is considered to be a factor that can precipitate the onset of a mental disorder or worsen its symptoms, but it is not always its primary cause. Most people with mental disorders take care of themselves and do not use harmful substances, but they still suffer from the disorder. We cannot blame people for having developed the symptoms they present.

8. Children and adolescents do not have mental health disorders

Young children can display early warning signs that pose a mental health concern. These problems can be identified clinically and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors.

9. Mental disorders cause intellectual disability

A mental disorder does not cause and is not an intellectual disability. They are two different things. A person with a mental disorder does not have to see their cognitive abilities or skills diminished.

10. There is no way to help people with a mental disorder

There are treatments, strategies and support from associations for people who need it. Affected people, if properly treated, can lead fully full lives. Society in general can and should contribute to promoting good mental health in the population.

11. A person who has suffered from a mental disorder will never fully recover

People who have suffered from a mental disorder can become completely better: they will be able to work, learn and participate fully and actively in the community.

12. I can't help anyone with a mental disorder

The detection of symptoms that may indicate that a person suffers from a mental disorder is key to the prognosis of the same and the people who are most likely to do so are people from the immediate environment. There are several symptoms that can indicate that someone needs help: emotional instability, changes in diet and sleep, changes in behavior, suicidal ideas, etc.

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