There is still too much stigma attached to living with a mental illness. Indeed, many myths surround mental health and, even today, we must take the time to dispel them. These false beliefs are still too prevalent and they can bully people who live with this reality, even preventing them from taking advantage of the right support for living with mental illness.
In the following, the psychologists at Clinique GO™ address 5 myths about mental health, and attempt to set the record straight.
“Mental illnesses are not real illnesses.”
We tend to think that mental health problems are less important or less real than those that affect our physical health, since they don’t cause any concrete signs or symptoms for an outsider. However, mental illness is very real and can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected, which can be disabling and incapacitating.
Mental health problems are now well documented, tests exist to diagnose them, and concrete treatments exist to manage many of them. We can no longer associate them with the ups and downs of everyday life, or think that they are linked to weakness. All of this is totally false!
“I am healthy right now, mental illness will never touch me.”
It is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. This is a telling statistic, and it shows that mental health disorders, the main ones being depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, are much more common than we think…
Moreover, anyone can develop disorders at some point, and it is not necessarily related to difficulties in everyday life or traumatic events…
“There is nothing you can do for a person who has mental health problems.”
As a loved one of someone with a mental illness, it is important to provide adequate support. The support you provide to a loved one can play an important role in their recovery.
In addition, there are treatments available today for many mental illnesses. Medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes… It is possible to equip oneself with the necessary means to live with a mental illness.
“Mental illnesses only affect those who suffer from them.”
The loved ones of people living with a mental health problem can be directly affected. It is normal to experience difficult emotions and to have difficulty managing them. It is important not to wait until you feel overwhelmed or exhausted before seeking help to live better with the mental illness of a loved one. In this sense, psychologists can also offer valuable support to people who are accompanying a loved one with a mental health problem on a daily basis.
“Consulting a psychologist is not helpful.”
The benefits of psychological consultations are now widely recognized for the management of many mental health problems. By opening up freely about the reality we live in, about the emotions we feel, we can better realize it and take steps to bring about changes in our lives. In addition, the psychologist offers a relevant perspective on the problems that are encountered. He or she offers personalized advice and knows how to implement appropriate strategies, particularly through therapy, to reduce the impact of the mental health problem on daily life. This professional support is adapted to the reality of each person’s life.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a mental health problem, do not hesitate to seek help. Psychologists are your allies and will offer you the appropriate support so that you can live a fulfilling life.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
