Debunking Mental Health Stereotypes
3% of individuals with mental illnesses are violent, according to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, which means 97% of them are not violent. The news media, however, frequently portrays individuals with mental illnesses as extremely dangerous by reporting on violent crimes involving them. This is biased reporting at work, as evidenced by statistics showing that the most violent crimes are committed by those without a history of mental illness.
People with Mental Illness are dangerous.
"If you have loving parents, why are you depressed" is a common question posed by others who were indirectly taught this stereotype. Although parenting greatly affects how someone is raised, as a child grows, they are also exposed to a variety of other variables. Abuseful parents can harm their children's mental health, but other outside factors can also jeopardize good parenting. The kid isn't completely shielded from the outside world; traumatizing events that occur outside of the child's home can have an impact on an individual.
Mental illness is solely a result of poor parenting.
Early warning signs of mental health issues can manifest before the age of 14. Statistically, only 50 percent of kids and teens with diagnosable mental health issues receive the necessary care. A child can benefit from early mental health support before issues impede other future developmental requirements.
Children are too young to experience mental health problems.
Simply put, this belief is untrue. Unfortunately, there are many instances where people with mental illnesses are not treated equally or as help. But experience demonstrates that this claim is untrue in every way. Abraham Lincoln, who battled depression on numerous occasions during his presidency, and Demi Lovato, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, are two highly influential people from both the past and the present who genuinely altered either the United States or the music industry.
People with mental illness contribute nothing to society.
A person may be deterred from getting professional help and exploring healthier lifestyle changes if they think their mental illness cannot be cured. It will break their spirit and perhaps make their situation worse. If provided the right care, up to 65% of those who suffer from mental illnesses can make a significant recovery or even fully recover. Although symptoms may occasionally reappear, finding a healthy way to relax and combat them will boost one's confidence in their own health and way of life. This preconception prevents those individuals from discovering those methods and therapies.
Mental illness cannot be cured.
In 2020, only 20% of adults received any mental health treatment in the past year, which included 10% who received counseling or therapy from a professional. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need. Here are some examples:
Refrain from defining them by their diagnosis
Not using terms such as “crazy” or “weird” when referring to them
Learning about mental health
Talking and listening to them instead of giving advice
I can’t do anything to help a person with mental health problems.
