Did you know that no one is immune to mental health illness? Regardless of there being any history of mental health issues in your family or not, you are still at risk at any point in your life to experience mental illnesses.

Mental health statistics in the United States have shown that 20.6% of all adults experience mental illnesses. In spite of this statistic, there is still a significant stigma attached to mental health and people who struggle with mental health disorders. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health that need to be addressed to dismiss these stigmas.

We explore a few of such mental health myths and misconceptions below:

1. Only adults experience mental illness. Though signs of ill mental health can go unnoticed in many children, it doesn’t dismiss the reality that children and adults alike go through mental health challenges. Statistics highlight that 7.1% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety. It is also projected that one in 10 young people experience a period of major depression.
2. Mental illness only attacks persons with a family history. Everyone can experience mental health challenges at some point in their life. Persons with a family history of mental illness are more predisposed to mental illness. People with a family history of depression for instance have a two to three times greater risk of developing depression than the average person, however. It is worth noting that 1 in 4 adults suffer from mental disorders every year.
3. Persons with mental ill-health cannot function effectively at work. Many persons with mental health issues can and do function effectively at work. These same individuals are top performers at work and even receive promotions. People with mental illness can, should and often need to work. Allowing people with mental health disorders to work actually aids their recovery by giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.
4. Persons with a mental disorder cannot be trusted because they are violent. Most people with mental health struggles are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. The truth is persons with mental illnesses are more likely to be the ones who are vulnerable to abuse from others. Most people with mental health disorders are not violent.
5. Only weak people have mental health challenges. As individuals, we face varying challenges in our lives that can cause us to be exposed to a mental illness, but this doesn’t mean we are weak. Weakness cannot be considered a factor that contributes to mental health problems. Factors like heredity, trauma and some life experiences are a more likely to cause mental health problems. Again, struggling with a mental health disorder does NOT make one weak.
6. Mental health therapy is useless. Many persons who seek and undergo mental health therapy have positive life-changing results and live better lives. Therapy is an important step in the recovery process. A lot of people who try to overcome mental health problems by themselves usually find themselves getting overwhelmed, hence the need for professional help. Not sure you need therapy? Check out 10 Signs it is Time to Seek Therapy today.
7. Only a mental health professional can help someone with a mental health challenge. We all can be instrumental in providing support for individuals in our society who might be experiencing mental ill-health. A kind word, deed, lending listening ear and non-judgmental tone goes a long way to help.
8. Mental health counseling is for mad persons. Interestingly, persons who go to counseling actually have a better chance of remaining mentally well. You don’t have to be experiencing symptoms of mental ill-health to seek counseling. By being proactive, you learn skills that will encourage mental wellness now and in the future.

9. The only treatment for mental ill-health is psychotic drugs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very effective way to treat mental illnesses like anxiety and depression without using psychotic drugs. This is just one of many therapies available to help people overcome their mental health disorders.

10. Mental illness symptoms will disappear on their own. Without professional help, symptoms can go away for a season but truly become worst over time because no concrete treatment has been put in place to address it. It is always best to seek and receive help from a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

It’s critical that as individuals we take an active approach in learning the truth surrounding mental health are better equipped to help friends and family who are struggling. Let’s look out for each other. At Restore 360, our therapists and psychiatrists are well-trained and experienced in various therapies to better assist you with your recovery. Schedule your free consultation with us online or call us today at (484) 373-2710. You can also visit our services page to explore all our services. Located in the City Avenue District of Philadelphia, our facility is committed to providing the very best of mental health care in Philadelphia, Haverford, Havertown and nearby areas.