There are so many misconceptions, misinformation, disinformation, and stigma around mental health. While I couldn’t list every single type of myth or stereotype there is, it’s still important to start the discussion about these myths. Because it’s not the myth or idea that really matters, it’s more about opening the space to discuss them. Simply put, the more easily we talk about shit like this, the more that these myths and stigmas lose their power.
Some really common myths include mental illness is a character flaw or weakness. The fact is that mental illnesses are conditions, not choices. Another common one is that people with mental illnesses are “crazy” and unable to function in society correctly. The real fact is that 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition and live completely normal and fulfilling lives.Other popular myths are that mental illness is permanent, rare or can be “snapped out of.” There are also stereotypes that people with mental illnesses are violent or the result of bad or neglectful parenting.
Despite the degree or differences in these various misconceptions, the theme and message are consistent. That is the idea that people with mental illnesses are scary, a joke, or incompetent. This stigma is often due to mental health conditions being misunderstood and generating the belief that they are the results of character flaws or a lack of effort from the individual.
This only strengthens the fear people have of being judged or ostracized for their struggles and avoiding seeking help. Like so many other aspects of mental health and mental health disorders, the best way to combat mental health disorders is to combat misconceptions and refute myths with facts when you can.
Some ways to educate yourself, and ,maybe even spread it to fucking others, include , learning facts, seeking reliable information, share knowledge and challenge misconceptions. You can also encourage open conversations. This can be achieved by creating safe spaces, sharing your own stories, listening actively , promoting empathy and understanding, showing compassion, being mindful of language, and trying not to use stimatizing or judgemental terms.
……until next week.
herewesayf&@#k!!! 