Most of us can agree that we are all victims of stigma revolving around mental health. One of the root causes is the myths that are widely believed, spread by lay persons who do not understand mental health issues and mental health care in its entirety. Let us try to understand some of the common myths and mentally empower ourselves

1. Mental Health Problems Aren’t Worth So Much Attention.

   Mental health problems are one of the leading causes of the overall disease burden worldwide. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people experience a common mental health problem. Major depression is thought to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the burden of suicide and heart diseases.

2. People With Mental Health Problems Are Violent And Unpredictable.

   Most people with mental illness are not violent and no more than 3 to 5 percent of violent acts can be associated with individuals suffering from a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime as compared to the general population.

3. People With Mental Health Problems Can “Snap” Out Of It If They Try Hard Enough.

   Those suffering from mental illness are not lazy or unwilling. They need help to get better- in the form of mental health assistance and a reliable social support system. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including biological, social and emotional factors.

4. Counselling And Therapy Are Useless.

   Treatment for mental health problems depends on several factors. Counselling and therapy, not necessarily in conjunction with medication, can work wonders in helping an individual lead a happier and more productive life.