Debunking Myths About Mental Health Counseling

In a given year approximately one in every five adults face mental health problems in the United States of America. This means that roughly 18.5 percent of the total population in the United States see a mental health psychologist for their problems. This does not encapsulate even half of the struggles over the world since millions of people across the globe do not speak up about mental health due to the fear of discrimination, stigmatization or isolation from their friends, family, society and employers. This discrimination can be detrimental to the patient’s mental health if their disorder worsens due to delayed diagnosis and no mental health counseling or therapy received by a mental health therapist. It’s time to intervene and diminish the misunderstandings about mental health. Here are a few –

1.     Mental illness is a rare phenomenon

Mental health problems are so much more common that people know. 1 in every 5 people are affected by mental health problems and 1 in every 5 people are diagnosed with serious mental health problems that impair their ability to function. Mental health problems affect everybody irrespective of their identification of gender, race, caste, creed or age. 

2.     Mental health doesn’t reflect your upbringing

Even though mental health can reflect traumas or experiences from childhood, mental illnesses are not a result of poor upbringing. Mental health is mainly a consequence of environmental factors, trauma, genetics and more. Mental health counseling can help with these problems.

3.     People pretend to suffer from a mental illness

Just like nobody pretends to have a fracture in their foot, nobody pretends to have major mental disorders, especially not for a prolonged period of time. Sometimes, symptoms of a certain mental illness aren’t extremely obvious or visible, but it doesn’t mean that the illness isn’t present. A mental health therapist does not make diagnosis based on tell-tales. There are tests that are administered – results of which back-up diagnosis. 

4.     Mental illness doesn’t dictate personal traits

Mental illnesses aren’t a result of a person’s personal weaknesses or character. Mental illness is mainly caused by genetics, environmental factors and choices of lifestyle made by people. Any events that are stressful or traumatic like an abusive marriage, strenuous job conditions or toxic relationships can make individuals more susceptible to mental health problems. Long term abuse of drugs or alcohol can also contribute to the development of mental health issues.

5.     Medications are enough, therapy isn’t imperative

People suffering from mental illnesses have different requirements when it comes to treatment. No one method or route of treatment suits everyone. The treatment procedures are customized as per a patient’s needs, mental disorders, medical history and specific requirements. Patients benefit mainly with a combination of medicines and therapy. 

6.     People with mental disorders can be violent and dangerous

According to studies, individuals who face mental disorders are victims of violence instead of being violent to others. Since most people do not know how to handle individuals with mental disorders, they may resort to violence to try to discipline them if they do not understand. 

7.     Prayer can treat a mental illness

Spirituality, positive thinking and prayers can definitely be effective as tools for recover but aren’t all a patient need. The only way a mental disorder can be treated is by the integration of medication, therapy by a mental health therapist and self-care.