During Mental Health Awareness Month, there is a drive towards educating more people about the realities of mental illnesses. There are still many misconceptions and myths about mental health out there, and it\u2019s important to know what\u2019s true and what isn\u2019t. Here are a few of the top myths around mental illness, debunked:<\/p>\n
Myth #1: Only Certain Types of People Get Mental Illnesses<\/strong><\/p>\n Fact: Everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems. Mental illness can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, gender, age, education, culture or socio-economic status.<\/p>\n Myth #2: Mental Health Problems aren\u2019t \u201cReal\u201d Illnesses<\/strong><\/p>\n Fact: Mental illnesses are legitimate illnesses. They are diagnosable medical conditions, and even if they are \u201cinvisible\u201d (i.e. they can\u2019t be seen physically), they can cause significant distress and have a major impact on an individual\u2019s wellbeing.<\/p>\n Myth #3: Mental Illness is a Sign of Weakness<\/strong><\/p>\n Fact: Mental illness causes changes in brain chemistry which can decrease a person\u2019s ability to cope with increased stressors on a chemical level. This does not mean they are weak.<\/p>\n There is a widespread misinformed belief that people with mental illnesses should \u201ctoughen up\u201d and \u201cjust get over it\u201d. But just like any other illness, mental health disorders can affect anyone and are not a sign of a weak character.<\/p>\n Myth #4: People with Mental Health Problems are Dangerous and Unpredictable<\/strong><\/p>\n Fact: Mental illness and violence do not necessarily go hand in hand. While some subsets of mental illness may increase the likelihood that people will lash out, in most cases, mental illness does not make a person dangerous.<\/p>\n Mental health problems can affect the way that people think, which can affect their behaviour, but it does not necessarily make them more violent towards other people. Many individuals affected by mental illness lead very normal lives, although more severe cases may require hospitalisation for effective treatment.<\/p>\n