Have you ever looked up mental health symptoms to see if any align with what you are experiencing? The heavy reality of your mental health diagnosis coming true could keep you frozen in place. The idea of receiving help seems like a great idea until you investigate all the mental health myths that can pop up from one simple search. The more you read, the more alienated you become from picking up the phone and taking that first step to getting assistance.
Myths regarding mental health are very common and unfortunately, a big reason that many people end up not seeking help. The best way to ease people’s worry is by debunking common myths and sharing the facts.
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Common Myth #1
You only have a mental illness if you cannot complete any tasks, go to work, or function throughout the day.
When a person is struggling with mental health issues, the idea of them not being able to complete daily tasks or function throughout the day is a myth. Although this can be the case for a minority of people struggling with a serious mental illness, it’s actually not true for the majority.
Related: What Can I Do if I’m Too Depressed to Work, Function, or Do Anything?
Why is it important to understand mental illness can be invisible?
Whether someone is functioning or not does not dictate if they are struggling with mental health concerns. It can be damaging to assume that mental health conditions are only ever visible, or “obvious”. Most mental health symptoms tend to be invisible to other people, which is why it’s never a good indicator to measure if someone is suffering from mental health symptoms.
Related: What is High Functioning Anxiety
Common Myth #2
Irritability is a common emotion and doesn’t mean they are battling any mental health issues.
Irritability is a common emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. As common as this emotion is, it doesn’t mean experiencing it should be brushed off. If high levels of irritability are causing someone to lash out at loved ones, or creating issues in their lives, it might be a good idea to get this checked out [1].
Why is it important to notice irritability?
Consistent irritability is a large marker for men when it comes to mental health symptoms. Men’s mental health has many barriers due to societal norms and cultural pressures. This makes diagnosis more difficult, and men are less likely to reach out for mental health assistance. The irritability myth is a perfect example as to how demystifying mental health becomes a domino effect. The more we continue to break these false ideas down; the more people will become aware and less apprehensive about seeking help [3].
Common Myth #3
Talk therapy isn’t useful and is a waste of time.
Talk therapy has been demonized for many years and unlearning this aspect is critical to a better outlook with talk therapy. The therapy field was not diversified in therapeutic techniques, or therapists until about the last decade [5]. With this, it’s not only improved but is much more valuable and functional for anyone of any background seeking help. This coupled with the fact that therapy is a long process impacts people’s willingness to accept the positive impact talk therapy offers [4].
How does talk therapy work?
Talk therapy involves a long process, where you have ongoing sessions with your therapist. The more you attend sessions and share honestly with your therapist, the better your results will be. Therapeutic techniques used by the therapist are backed by science and your personal background is considered with each technique to make the best decisions for your treatment plan. Over time, you can reach goals, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and implement everything you learn into your daily life. This results in overall improvement in daily functioning and emotional dysregulation.
Why is demystifying these misconceptions important?
Once you demystify these misconceptions, it’s important to realize that this work doesn’t stop here. Continuously working to unlearn mental health myths and sharing your knowledge will be vital to the mental health community. The goal is to create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable reaching out, which will lead more people to get the help they need. Access to mental health care and the ability to reach out for help saves countless lives every day [2].
Related: Destroying the Stigma of Mental Health Disorders
Where do I start with getting help for my mental health?
When it comes to your mental health, the severity of how you are experiencing symptoms plays a factor in the type of care you receive. You can be part of treatment programs that are either outpatient, inpatient, or online depending on your needs. At Clear Behavioral Health, we offer a full continuum of care designed to provide you with effective treatment options to assist you on your journey to mental wellness.
Outpatient Treatment Program
An outpatient treatment program offers an intensive therapy process. You attend sessions daily or every other day, but you do not live at the treatment center, which offers the flexibility that some people need.
Outpatient treatment programs include ongoing emotional and social support that you can use in your daily life. This is gained through individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic methods. This level of care is recommended for someone who doesn’t want to disrupt their current schedule but needs structured assistance to improve their mental health.
Related: What is an IOP? PHP & IOP Treatment and How Can It Help Your Family
Inpatient Treatment Program
Inpatient or residential treatment is when you live at a facility during the entirety of the program. Residential mental health treatment includes one-on-one therapy, group therapy, holistic modalities, and more. Inpatient is recommended for more severe mental health problems or if you need a more hands-on approach, with 24/7 monitoring by mental health professionals.
Related: What is Mental Health Residential Treatment?
Learn more about our mental health programs in the Los Angeles, California area. Contact our professional team today to get started.
Overcoming Mental Health Challenges and Myths
Taking the first step toward mental health treatment can feel daunting, but understanding the truth behind common mental health myths helps make that step easier.
If you’re struggling with mental health, contact our experienced team of professionals at Clear Behavioral Health to learn more about our evidence-based treatment programs. We offer a full continuum of care including mental health residential treatment, outpatient mental health programs, teen mental health treatment, as well as virtual therapy options for all California residents.
We are proud to be in-network with most major insurance companies, providing accessible, in-person mental health treatment throughout the Los Angeles, CA area. We have facilities conveniently located in Van Nuys, El Segundo, Santa Clarita, and more.
Don’t let mental health myths keep you from getting the treatment you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, know that effective treatment is available. Reach out to Clear Behavioral Health today.
References:
- Affleck, William, et al. “Men’s Mental Health: Social Determinants and Implications for Services.” The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 63, no. 9, 2018, pp. 581–589, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6109884/
- Cook, Sarah C., et al. “Evidence-Based Psychotherapy: Advantages and Challenges.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 14, no. 3, 2017, pp. 537–545, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5509639/, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-017-0549-4
- Griffith, Derek, et al. “Men and Mental Health: What Are We Missing?” AAMC, 2 Apr. 2024, www.aamc.org/news/men-and-mental-health-what-are-we-missing
- Nami, & Nami. (2024, February 7). Addressing the lack of diversity in the mental health field. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/mental-health-professionals/addressing-the-lack-of-diversity-in-the-mental-health-field/
- Robinson, Ajita. “Diversification and Burnout Prevention for Counselors.” Www.counseling.org, 2024, www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/january-2024/diversification-and-burnout-prevention-for-counselors
