Mental Health Myth Busters

If you were to walk into a room and raise the question: “How many people here believe mental illness is a sign of weakness?” you may be startled by how many hands shoot into the air, even in this day and age!

However, mental health awareness has become increasingly important in recent years, especially as the number of individuals experiencing mental health issues continues to rise. In the UK, one in four people will encounter a mental health problem each year, highlighting the widespread nature of these issues. Yet, misconceptions about mental health are still prevalent.

According to Mind, mental health problems are common, with anxiety and depression being particularly prevalent. NHS data reveals that one in five children and young people had a diagnosable mental disorder in 2023.

We will now cover several myths about mental health issues.

“Mental health issues are rare”

In reality, mental health issues are extremely prevalent and can affect anyone, regardless of background, age, or social status. They can be as simple as an inability to control or become aware of deep-rooted insecurities that affect how you treat people around you or as complex as unmanaged or unrecognised trauma from childhood. In truth, nearly everyone could be said to have a mental health issue in some capacity.

In any given year, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem of some kind. Every week, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.

Stress is also an incredibly common issue, with a significant portion of the population affected. In the UK, 23% of adults cite work-related stress, and other major triggers include financial concerns (39%), lack of sleep (39%), and health issues (35%).

Mixed anxiety and depression affect 8 in 100 people weekly, while generalised anxiety disorder affects 6 in 100 people. Depression alone impacts 3 in 100 people each week.

Mental health issues are simply a common aspect of the human experience and always have been. Awareness and open conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek the help they need.

“People with schizophrenia have multiple personalities”

Schizophrenia is about psychosis, not split personalities.

Schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, are often confused but are distinct mental health conditions with very different symptoms and causes.

Schizophrenia

This is a chronic brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. It’s characterised by episodes of psychosis, which can include hallucinations (like hearing voices), delusions (firmly held false beliefs), disorganised thinking, and severe disruptions in social and occupational functioning.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

This, on the other hand, involves a person alternating between two or more distinct identity states or personalities, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the world. This condition often stems from severe trauma during early childhood, usually extreme, repetitive physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Schizophrenia’s hallmark is a break from reality with symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. In contrast, DID is marked by a fragmentation of identity, where different personality states take control at different times, often with gaps in memory.

“Only soldiers get PTSD”

PTSD can affect anyone who experiences trauma.

When we think of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), images of war-torn veterans often come to mind. While it’s true that soldiers can develop PTSD due to the harrowing experiences of combat, it’s a myth that they are the only ones affected. In reality, PTSD is an equal-opportunity condition that can strike anyone who has experienced a traumatic event.

What is a traumatic event?

A traumatic event can be thought of as something that still causes a person severe emotional pain even after a period of 18 months has passed. It is often more likely to occur to people who were previously naïve or innocent towards a particular scenario or situation, such as a teenager who gets bullied by people they previously may have thought of as friends or a young person who gets involved in an abusive relationship with someone they are infatuated with. Psychologist Jordan Peterson has described trauma as witnessing or being blindsided by an act of genuine immorality, inhumanity or natural catastrophe.

PTSD, as a mental health condition, can develop in the aftermath of various traumatic situations. Here are a few scenarios where PTSD might rear its head:

1. Sexual assault and abuse

Survivors of sexual violence frequently develop PTSD due to the intense violation and fear associated with such experiences. The trauma can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety long after the event has occurred.

2. Natural disasters

Earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can leave individuals with lasting trauma. Witnessing the devastation and loss of life can trigger PTSD, manifesting in symptoms like intrusive thoughts and hyper-vigilance.

3. Serious accidents

Car crashes, industrial accidents, or any incident where one’s life is at risk can lead to PTSD. The sudden and often violent nature of these events can leave lasting psychological scars.

4. Childbirth and postnatal depression

Childbirth, especially when complications arise, can be a profoundly traumatic experience. Women who endure difficult deliveries or emergencies such as haemorrhages or emergency C-sections may develop PTSD. This is often coupled with postnatal depression, creating a challenging postpartum period.

5. Witnessing violence

First responders, such as police officers and EMTs, often encounter scenes of violence and death. Repeated exposure to such events can lead to PTSD, characterised by flashbacks and emotional numbing.

“Children can’t have mental health problems”

They absolutely can. And it’s not just teenagers sulking in their rooms listening to emo music. These can be serious conditions like autism, depression, and anxiety that start affecting young people long before they hit puberty.

About 70% of autistic children have at least one co-occurring mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that typically appears in the first few years of life. While autism itself is not a mental health disorder, children with autism often face additional challenges like anxiety and depression. These issues can arise due to difficulties in communication, social interaction, and sensory sensitivities.

Depression

Depression in children might not look the same as it does in adults. Kids might not articulate their sadness or hopelessness. Instead, they might exhibit irritability, a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns. Research shows that children with autism are particularly susceptible to depression, with about 14.4% experiencing it at some point.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are common among children, especially those with autism. Symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. For autistic children, anxiety can stem from sensory sensitivities or difficulties in social situations. Nearly 40% of autistic children deal with some form of anxiety disorder, highlighting the need for early and effective intervention.

“You can snap out of it”

In reality, mental health conditions require proper treatment and support.

This misconception that you can “snap out” of a mental health disorder is not just misleading; it’s extremely harmful.

It may be true that there are situations or scenarios in which a person (more likely a young person) can overplay the severity of their momentary sadness or angst that may easily be fixed through something like more exercise, a stable routine or a healthier diet. However, in many instances, if issues such as sadness or severe and uncontrollable anger persist to a point where no amount of personal improvement efforts can fix it, it may be clear that this is a sign of a more severe and deep-rooted mental health disorder.

Mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder aren’t fleeting moods you can shake off with willpower. These are complex conditions that often require a combination of medical treatment, therapeutic interventions, and robust support systems to manage effectively.

Medical and therapeutic fixes

1. Medication: For many individuals, medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilisers are crucial. These drugs can help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, alleviating symptoms and enabling individuals to function more effectively in their daily lives.

2. Therapy: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychotherapy, and other forms of counselling provide invaluable tools for managing mental health conditions. Therapy helps individuals understand their thoughts and behaviours, develop coping strategies, and work through underlying issues.
3. Both: Sometimes, the best treatment plan involves a combination of medication and therapy. This holistic approach can address both the biological and psychological aspects of mental health conditions.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health condition, contact UKAT London Clinic today to begin the journey toward recovery and healing.