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We often have a misconception that people with mental illness are “crazy.” The ones that are depicted in the movies where the lady with the tousled hair and ripped up dress similar to that of a horror movie are what most people assume when they think of mental illness.
However, when we buy books on justice for intellectually disabled people, we realize there is a gap when talking about mental illness such as hysteria and recognize that there are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding people with mental illness. Because of this, changing the narrative is very important for us to bring to light the many issues that people face with mental illness, and we can help them to the best of our abilities when we are only able to do so.
Mental health is a sign of weakness.
More often than not, many people believe that people who have mental health conditions are lazy or lack willpower. However, this is not the case; in fact, much of the most recent research regarding mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia, and the like are often rooted in structural problems in the brain or a lack of particular neurotransmitters.
This means that mental health is not something that we can choose to brave without help from others or professionals because it is not just about being weak or not being strong enough. We should be changing the narrative that mental health is not about weakness; having mental health issues is the result of complex interactions of our biological, psychological, and even social factors when we are with ourselves and other people.
Patients with mental health problems are violent.
Most of us can view mental institutions as places filled with criminals or dangerous people who will just stab you at any time. Because of this, we often think that when a person has a mental health condition, they are more likely to hurt other people.
However, many studies show that people with mental health conditions are the opposite. They are more likely to hurt themselves rather than attack others.
There is no use in changing the narrative of current mental health conditions.
Many books and movies have already depicted many mental health conditions and have talked about a variety of types of mental illnesses to bring awareness. However, it seems like an uphill battle because people are usually stuck on their preconceived notions of mental illness.
There still lies hope in helping other people understand and changing the narrative. Explaining what mental illness truly is helps those around them, assists those with current mental health illnesses, and sometimes even detects them early.
Having mental health disorders will last a lifetime.
Though some people continue to struggle with some mental health disorders throughout their lives, it does not necessarily mean that they will last a lifetime. Studies have shown that some medicines can be given to people with mental health disorders and could help them function normally in society and perform the usual expected day-to-day tasks.
Moreover, other mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder have already been proven to have probable cures or therapies that could help them outgrow or get better from OCD, thereby proving that mental health illnesses will not always last a lifetime.
People with mental health disorders are selfish.
Many people are apprehensive about having friends with others with mental health conditions because of the fear that they are self-centered or only care about themselves. While narcissistic people do exist and the fact that narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health disorder, we should start changing the narrative that most patients with mental illnesses are not necessarily selfish.
Many of those who struggle with depression and anxiety often suffer from overthinking or overcompensating to be able to help another person. They stretch themselves too thin and cause themselves a lot of stress to help other people.
We just need friends, not therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
While many believe that talking to a therapist is just like talking to a friend, having a professional therapist or psychiatrist plays a significant role in addressing issues constructively and using structured talking techniques in helping you overcome mental health conditions that many ordinary people, such as your close friends, would not necessarily know.
Moreover, more people are comfortable discussing their problems with others outside their normal circle of friends or their mental health issues with people that they do not know because they know that they will not be judged or be talked about behind their back.
Conclusion
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Overall, we need to talk about mental health conditions and engage in meaningful discourse to be able to spread awareness of what mental illness truly is and begin changing the narrative. Want to learn about the personal experience of a character who went through many struggles, including her mental illness? Grab a copy of Laughter at Dawn today!
