6 Common Mental Health Myths Debunked!

It's no news that mental health concerns are severely trivialized in our country. 'For many people, common mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression may seem like everyday issues, the part and parcel of life. However, for the individual undergoing the emotional concern, it may be nothing short of debilitating,' say Dr Darpan Kaur and Dr Mohit Shah, psychiatrists who consult on Practo.

'These daily stressors, coupled with the ever-present stigma attached to mental health can hamper the individual’s daily functioning, mood, sleep, and appetite. Thereby, in order to rectify this chain reaction, a professional must be consulted immediately,' they add.

All the way from detrimental statements such as 'it's just a phase' to 'no need for therapy, just speak to your elders for advice', we've heard it all. However, now is the time to bust these myths and step into the new year well-informed and empathetic.

MYTH 1- If you're suffering from a psychological problem, it's a failure of your will-power

More often than not, the sufferer is blamed for their own mental health condition; often attributed to a weak disposition or lack of will-power. 'There are a range of serious psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, OCD etc which may have a genetic, chemical basis. Such an abnormality in the brain can be caused by neurotransmitter systems and there may actually be absolutely no role of will power failure involved. Hence, it would be incorrect and highly unfair to blame the person for something which may not entirely be under their control,' informs Dr Kaur.

MYTH 2-Mental health concerns are solely an exaggeration of regular problems; the individual just needs to be positive

'It is the need of the hour for people to understand that our brain is one of the most complex organs in our body. If something affects our brain, it must be controlled and cured, just like any other physical injury that we may face,' informs Dr Shah. The ailments in our brain are just as important (if not more), and require to be treated so that we can feel healthy overall. Mental health conditions aren't solely exaggerations of basic, everyday problems, and nor is it 'just a phase' that will pass.

MYTH 3-Only a 'crazy/abnormal/mad' person consults a therapist

This one's fairly common.While it is true that psychiatrists treat patients with chronic illnesses; who can appear emotionally, behaviorally and socially abnormal in society, a lot of mental health efforts have taken a positive-preventive direction as well. 'It is highly prejudiced and stereotypical to hold the view that only 'crazy' people visit a psychiatrist. From significant psychotic conditions to basic examination stress, financial stress, family stress, and even relationship stress, a range of worries may urge one to seek professional help,' states Dr Kaur. Moreover, the consequences of long-standing, untreated mental health problems can be detrimental!

MYTH 4-People with mental health illnesses may be violent and cannot function optimally

'Those who suffer from mental health illnesses may not necessarily be violent and aggressive. In fact, it is often believed that they are the ones who are most often the victims of violent actions, rather than being perpetrators themselves,' says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, who frequently collaborates with myUpchar. In addition, with proper treatment and intervention, most people with mental health-related illnesses can successfully hold jobs and be exceedingly productive in their respective fields as well.

MYTH 5-Psychiatric prescribed medication is a big no-no

Many patients and their families are opposed to and skeptical about consuming medicines prescribed by a psychiatrist. 'It is absolutely imperative to understand that when we have a physical injury, there is a certain procedure that we must follow, which may include oral medication. In the same way, when we experience stress, anxiety, depression or any other emotional concern, it may be accompanied with chemical imbalances in the brain that can further lead to negative thoughts, trouble with sleep, mood, and appetite changes. In order to rectify these imbalances, medication may be essential,' advises Dr Shah.

MYTH 6-All psychiatrists do is put their patients to sleep with medicines!

Post detailed history-taking, a clinical examination, and tests and assessments, psychiatrists make a clinical impression of their patients problem, from a medical perspective. They use their best knowledge about the patients disorder and prescribe medications accordingly, while making note of the possible side effects. 'While medicines to treat many serious disorders can induce excess sleep, it is entirely untrue that these are prescribed with purpose to cause changes in ones sleep pattern,' says Dr Kaur. 'Besides, in today's day and age there are many advances in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, counseling, all of which holistically work towards helping patients recover in the best possible way,' he adds.