World Health Organization earmarked October 10 every year, as World Mental Health Day, to raise awareness and to garner support from various quarters of the society, in support of those dealing with various psychological conditions.
This theme for World Mental Health Day 2019 is suicide prevention as mental issues like depression cause most suicides, around the world. In the last century, we have witnessed several groundbreaking medical advancements be it in diagnosis, medication, surgeries and treatment when it comes to physical conditions but unfortunately, mental health conditions are quite ignored and still a taboo to discuss in our society. Many of us take psychological issues for granted, shy away from seeking professional help.
Timely diagnosis, medications, counselling help in averting major mishaps in life. In this article, we bring you most common beliefs or myths when it comes to psychological health.
Myth:
Emotional Or Personal Weakness Causes Mental Illness
Fact:
Mental health conditions just like in the case of physical health are caused due to biological, environmental and even genetic factors. In fact, the structure of the brain, processes of biochemicals play a huge role. In few cases, a traumatic event can cause these problems, invariably leading to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Myth:
Being Depressed and Sad Are the Same
Fact:
Depression is a serious condition that needs immediate professional help. People fighting depression are prone to self-harm, suicide. Depression is caused due to changes in the levels of neurotransmitters, genetics, psychological and social conditions etc. Being sad is just a temporary emotion which goes away within few hours.
Myth:
There Is No Cure For Mental Illness
Fact:
Psychological conditions need not be chronic disorders. Anxiety, sudden panic attacks, depression can be easily treated with few medications. Detailed and regular counselling, therapy backed by proper medication will help the patient recover in a shorter period of time. Also Read: Anxiety Attacks? Here's How You Deal With It
Myth:
People with mental illness cannot work
Fact:
Suffering from psychological conditions does not interfere with the capability or productivity of the person. They are just as motivated, punctual and work like others. However, addressing their psychological problems and practising meditation to pacify the mind will help the person to work better and increase productivity. Also Check Out: Modern Meditation Techniques For Mental And Emotional Wellbeing
Myth:
Therapy And Counselling Hardly Help. Only Medications Work.
Fact:
This is another popular myth. The treatment protocol differs from person to person and it is purely based on the condition. In few cases, just medications help in recovering but others may need therapy, counselling along with regular visits to the doctor.
Myth:
Mental Illnesses Cannot Be Prevented
Fact:
Prevention of psychological conditions is possible, but one should understand triggers and signs, in order to deal with mental illnesses positively. In few families, psychological conditions are genetic, and it is important to understand mental, emotional and behavioural disorders that run in the family. If you find something unusual with you or your loved one’s behavior, emotions, talk to the doctor immediately.
