Myths and facts about mental health

 

Mental health has been discussed more and more frequently in recent years, mainly thanks to growing research and the activities of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the American Psychological Association (APA). In the Czech Republic, this is primarily thanks to the National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ). Various methods of mental health care are thus successfully entering the public consciousness. Nevertheless, this topic is still surrounded by a number of myths and prejudices. These misconceptions often stem from lack of information or from the stigma that continues to be associated with mental health issues even today. As a result, many people hesitate to seek professional help and often underestimate their problems. The truth, however, lies elsewhere — our emotions and possible mental health issues are a natural part of life, and how we deal with them significantly affects our mental health. 

 

Let's take a look at the most common myths about mental health and explain why they are not true. Information from verified, academic sources can help to gradually dispel these myths.  

 

Myth: Mental health issues are a sign of weakness.

Fact: Mental health is influenced by a range of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. As with physical illnesses, it is not a matter of "lack of will power" or "lack of character." Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or life experiences. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength, responsibility, and courage to take care of your health.

 

Myth: You only need to take care of your mental health if you have been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

Fact: Everyone should take care of their mental health. Just as we take care of our physical health even when we are not sick, we can maintain our mental well-being through active psychohygiene. Healthy relationships, a balanced lifestyle, the ability to cope with stress, and finding meaningful activities — all of these form the basis of prevention and long-term mental health. Taking care of our mental health should be a normal part of our lives. 

 

Myth: If I seek professional help, I will have to take medication.

Fact: Seeking professional help does not automatically lead to medication. The treatment of mental illness is highly individual, and there is no universal solution that works for everyone. On the contrary, research shows that if medication is necessary, it will have the best results when combined with other techniques, such as psychotherapy or lifestyle changes (Rajkumar, 2024). The details of treatment are always discussed between the client and the psychiatrist to ensure the most appropriate care.

 

Myth: Medication will change my personality and I will no longer be myself.

Fact: The goal of medication isn´t to change someone´s personality, but to alleviate symptoms that interfere with their daily functioning and quality of life. Well-adjusted and regulated treatment should not suppress your individuality or cause you to "feel like you are not yourself." On the contrary, it allows many people to experience joy again, concentrate better, regulate their emotions, and function in everyday life. However, finding the right medication sometimes takes time. Medication is adjusted in collaboration with a psychiatrist and may involve trying different types of medications or changes in dosage to achieve the best results with minimal side effects. 

 

Myth: Adolescents don't have mental health problems, they're just going through hormonal changes and seek attention.

Fact: Adolescence is a period of intense physical and psychological changes, and it is true that hormonal fluctuations can cause sudden mood swings. However, mental distress or behavioral changes cannot always be attributed to normal signs of puberty. Downplaying any mental health issues under the pretext of hormone fluctuations or a desire for attention can be a fatal mistake that could discourage adolescents from seeking professional help when they urgently need it. At any age, and especially during adolescence, it is important to show support and offer a safe space for sharing feelings and struggles. Furthermore, professional studies (Luo et al., 2024) show that although changes in hormonal balance may play a role in the development of mental health issues, they are by no means the primary cause.

 

Myth: Talking about mental health only makes the situation worse.

Fact: Open and honest conversation about mental health issues does not make the situation worse, quite the opposite. By sharing our experiences and emotions, we help relieve the inner tension and can gain both a new perspective and support from our loved ones. On the other hand, silence contributes to feelings of fear, isolation, and shame, which are factors that can make a person feel even worse. Open communication has a number of beneficial effects not only for those struggling with mental health issues, but also for the wider community. When parents or teachers talk about mental health, they visibly reduce stigma, helping people realize that their feelings are not unusual and that it is normal to talk about them (Monroe, 2023). 

 

Mental health is an integral part of our overall health. It affects how we think, what we feel, how we make decisions, and how we act in everyday life. Yet in our society, mental health is still surrounded by a number of myths that can lead to misunderstanding and fear of seeking professional help. However, as scientific studies and practical experience show, talking about mental health openly, without prejudice and with an effort to understand, can bring relief to individuals and those around them.

 

Our experts are here to support you, understand your story, and help you find a path that works for you. Don't be afraid to talk about your mental health—contact us.

Bc. Jana Felková

References:

Rajkumar, R. P. (2024). The Advantages of Combining Therapies in Treating Psychiatric Patients. Brain Sciences, 14(7), 708. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070708

Luo, D., Dashti, S. G., Sawyer, S. M., & Vijayakumar, N. (2024). Pubertal hormones and mental health problems in children and adolescents: a systematic review of population-based studies. EClinicalMedicine, 76.

Monroe, T. (2023, March 8). Engaging Your Community in the Mental Health Conversation. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/african-american/engaging-your-community-in-the-mental-health-conversation/