5 Mental Health Myths Debunked
Mental health issues affect millions of people each year, and the prevalence of these concerns has grown notably in recent times. For instance, one study revealed In any given week, 1 in 6 adults in the UK experiences a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety, and those aged 16 to 29 years most likely to experience some form of depression (28%).
Even more concerning is the fact that over half of adults experiencing mental health conditions, such as depression, aren’t receiving the support they need and often struggle to access appropriate care. The stigma associated with mental illness continues to pose a significant barrier, whether societal, institutional, or personal.
Challenging Mental Health Myths Mental health is an essential component of overall wellbeing, yet it remains surrounded by misunderstandings. While attitudes towards mental health have improved greatly in recent years, myths and stigma persist. The reality is, everyone needs a helping hand from time to time.
In an effort to break down the stigma, we’re debunking five of the most common misconceptions surrounding mental health.
Myth #1: Mental illness is a sign of weakness.
Struggling with mental health doesn’t indicate weakness or personal failure. In most cases, there isn’t a single identifiable cause. Factors such as traumatic life experiences, chronic stress, or biological influences like physical illness or injury can all contribute.
Chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can heighten the likelihood of developing mental health challenges. Genetics also play a role. A large study involving 1.2 million people identified significant links between various genetic variants and depression. Additionally, research conducted with over 30,000 pairs of twins demonstrated an almost 80% heritability rate for schizophrenia, one of the most complex mental health disorders.7
Ultimately, mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of their lifestyle, strength of character, or personal resilience.
Myth #2: Positive thinking alone can cure mental illness.
While a positive mindset can certainly aid the recovery process, overcoming mental health conditions usually requires more than sheer willpower. The notion that people can simply “snap out of it” is misleading.
Well-meaning friends might suggest reaching out to loved ones or engaging with a faith community as a solution, and while these actions can offer valuable support, they’re not always sufficient on their own.
Every individual manages mental health conditions differently. For example, two people diagnosed with depression may require entirely different forms of treatment and support to aid their recovery.
Friends and family may lack the skills to provide the right kind of help. In some cases, well-intentioned comments might inadvertently suggest that if someone doesn’t overcome their struggles independently, they’re somehow flawed. This can deepen feelings of shame and make recovery even harder. Seeking professional guidance is often a crucial step towards healing.
Myth #3: Children don’t experience mental health problems
Children are not immune to mental health challenges. In fact, half of all mental health disorders manifest before the age of 14.8 Additionally, depression among young people is on the rise, with 15% reporting a major depressive episode in the past year. If left untreated, these issues can result in behavioural difficulties, struggles at school, and challenges in forming friendships. In many cases, these difficulties persist into adulthood.
There’s a misconception that childhood is a carefree time without real problems, however, evidence shows that some of the most significant increases in mental health concerns have been seen among young people.
Clinical psychologists are seeing a sharp rise in cases of anxiety, depression, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorder among children, alongside a troubling increase in suicide attempts.
If you suspect your child may be struggling, trust your instincts and reach out for support.
Myth #4: Medication for mental health conditions is ineffective or dangerous
There are numerous medications available to treat mental health conditions, and studies consistently show they can be both safe and effective when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
That said, everyone responds to medication differently. If someone you know has experienced side effects such as fatigue or weight gain, this doesn’t mean the same will happen to you.
Medications also aren’t a quick fix. Some can take several weeks before their full effects are felt, and some side effects may occur initially.
The best approach is to have open conversations with your healthcare provider. Expressing any concerns and exploring your options will help you work together to develop a plan that suits you.
Another helpful tool is genetic testing for mental health medications, known as pharmacogenetics (PGx). This testing can help identify medications and dosages that are better suited to your genetic makeup, increasing the chances of finding an effective treatment while reducing the risk of side effects. Myogenes is a leader in providing this personalised approach to care.
Myth #5: Therapy doesn’t work.
Some people worry that therapy is ineffective, but research tells a different story. According to the American Psychological Association, 75% of people who undergo psychotherapy experience positive outcomes. Moreover, combining therapy with medication has proven particularly beneficial for some individuals.
A lot of people have misconceptions about therapy, often shaped by portrayals in films and television, in reality, therapy is usually a structured, short-term process focused on providing practical tools to help you feel better.
The bottom line: Mental health conditions are treatable, whether through therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Don’t let myths prevent you or someone you care about from seeking the support needed. If you’re struggling, reach out to a healthcare professional. Even if you aren’t, you can become an advocate for better mental health awareness and support.
