Anxiety will stay with you forever; depression is impossible to cure; PTSD gets worse with age…These are all mental health myths we need to debunk! In this post, we will nip rumors like these in the bud. Keep reading to find out the most common mental health myths to watch out for.
Panic Attacks Can Be Fatal
Panic attacks are no fun. They produce an internal fear response that increases the heart rate and throws emotions and hormones out of whack. Although they can feel never-ending, these anxiety-provoking moments are just temporary. A panic attack will never be fatal; however, it can cause a person to behave and think irrationally with a greater risk of accidents.
People With Anxiety and Depression Can “Snap Out of It”
Contrary to popular belief, mental health issues don’t operate like a light switch; things like anxiety and depression can’t be “turned off.” If these symptoms arise, don’t think you should have better control over your emotional state just because someone tells you so. Instead, seek help from a therapist, surround yourself with loving and supportive people, write out your feelings in a journal, and work towards a calmer lifestyle.
People With Mental Health Disorders Are “Crazy”
Labeling someone with a mental health disorder as “crazy” can really take a toll on a person’s thoughts, actions, and beliefs, and that kind of stigma can be damaging. Instead of thinking of a mental health disorder as shameful or embarrassing, look at it like this: The brain is an organ; when something is going on in the mind, we need to treat it with the proper tools, just like any other part of the body.
If Diagnosed With a Mental Health Disorder, You Will Suffer the Rest of Your Life
Saying that there is no hope for recovery for someone diagnosed with a mental health disorder is like saying there is no recovery for the common cold. If you are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, you’re not doomed. It’s all in the effort you contribute, the people you surround yourself with, and the tools that work for you.
Mental Health Problems Are a Sign of Weakness
Mental illnesses cannot be measured by strength or weakness. They must be treated just like any other medical condition. Don’t feel you are “weak” if you are diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Instead, consider treatment options like prescription medications, therapy, and other proven techniques.