Common Misconceptions About Mental Illness

The statistics for mental health in the U.S. are worrying, to say the least. The National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness while approximately 15.4 million have a serious mental health condition.¹

But while these numbers are discouraging, a positive sign is that a growing number of Americans are more open about discussing mental health.² What’s more, an increasing number believe that people with mental illness do not need to feel ashamed.

The reality is that mental health impacts everyone. Those who are struggling with mental illness often feel embarrassed about asking for help, becoming isolated from friends and family. As a result, their loved ones often feel confused and uncertain about how to help. A barrier that frequently stands in the way is the mental health myths that unfortunately still persist in our culture.

This article addresses the 10 most common misconceptions about mental illness and the stigmas that exist around mental health. Through knowledge and understanding, we can all help those who are struggling with mental illness feel empowered to ask for help. But first, where do mental health myths come from.

What Is a Mental Health Myth?

A mental health myth is a belief that many people hold about mental illness that isn’t grounded in scientific evidence. In other words, mental health myths are based more on assumptions and biases, not truth. 

But where do these myths come from? Historically, it was believed that those struggling with their mental health should be confined to asylums. However, our knowledge and understanding of mental health has grown (roughly from the late 1700s onwards). And with this, we have begun to recognize that, with care and treatment, we can take care of ourselves when we’re struggling with our mental health.³ 

Yet, despite our growing understanding of mental illness, studies on stigma still show that many people continue to hold a negative view of mental ill-health.⁴ 

What Are the Common Misconceptions About Mental Illness?

Without further ado, let’s get into the 10 most common misconceptions about mental health, so we can kick these mental health myths to the curb. 

1. You can tell if someone has a mental illness

People who have a mental illness do not necessarily look or act differently. All too often they deal with their challenges silently, as many typically feel worried that they will be a burden to others if they disclose their struggle. What’s more, many feel ashamed about asking for help. So, they struggle in silence. 

2. People can get over their mental illness if they just try harder

Being diagnosed with a mental illness is not an indictment against a person’s character. A person with diabetes is not expected to just “get over” their disease. The same understanding needs to be given to those who struggle with mental illness. They cannot just overcome it—it is an illness, like any physical illness. Those struggling need time, strategies, and support.

3. People with a mental illness are just looking for attention

You may have heard the saying, “They’re just attention-seeking” before, potentially directed at children. However, this can also be a common thought among some people when it comes to those struggling with mental ill-health.

Yet, many people who struggle with mental illness feel ashamed and tend to isolate themselves out of fear of being judged by others. Just like no one chooses to have a physical illness like cancer, no one chooses to develop a mental illness. 

4. Mental illness can’t be prevented

There are many ways to help prevent the onset of mental illness. One powerful deterrent is through supportive, loving, and warm relationships with family and friends. 

It’s also important to take care of your physical health and prioritize exercise, nutrition, and healthy sleeping patterns. These can all go a long way towards preventing mental illness. 

5. People can’t recover from a mental illness

Research shows that with treatment, people can recover from mental illness and live productive lives.⁵ Each person’s path to recovery is highly personal, and their journey may look different than someone else’s. What’s important is knowing that with help and support, people can resolve their mental health challenges.

6. People who are mentally ill are too unstable to work

Being diagnosed with a mental illness does not mean that a person cannot be employed. According to a U.S. study, nearly 70% of people with mental illness work.⁶ The reality is that most people with a mental health challenge can be just as productive as those without a mental illness.

7. Young people can’t struggle with mental illness

In the U.S., an estimated 49.5% of adolescents and 36% of young adults are diagnosed with a mental illness.¹ In addition, suicide is the third leading cause of death globally for young people.⁷ Adolescence and young adulthood can be a difficult and tumultuous time filled with change and transition, and this can be overwhelming for young people to manage.

8. Mental illness is caused by bad parenting

The causes of mental health challenges are complex, and there is not necessarily one triggering event. Mental illness can involve biological factors such as genetics or brain chemistry, or there may have been traumatic experiences that occurred outside of the home. It’s important for parents to prioritize creating a supportive home environment for their children to have the best chance of preventing mental illness.

9. I can’t help someone who has a mental illness

Loved ones can make a huge difference in influencing a person with mental illness to enter into treatment. Oftentimes the hardest step is asking for help. By reaching out and offering support to a loved one, they can feel supported and empowered to access mental health services.

10. Therapy is only for people who are mentally ill

Taking care of one’s mental health is just as important as taking care of one’s physical health! This is especially true for those who have a loved one struggling with a mental health challenge. Seeking help from a mental health professional can go a long way in helping anyone feel more capable and available to support a loved one through their difficulties.

What Are Stigmas Around Mental Health?

Misconceptions about mental health tend to develop from the negative stigmas that are associated with mental illness. Stigmas are the judgmental attitudes and unfair beliefs that people may have about others who are experiencing mental health challenges. 

Examples of stigmas around people with a mental illness include:

• Calling them “crazy” or “psycho.”
• Viewing them as lazy or incompetent.
• Discounting their feelings by telling them to just get over it.
• Describing them as weak for seeking help and treatment.

The stigma around mental health can have a very negative effect on people with mental illness. They may feel:

• Ashamed and isolated.
• Reluctant to seek help.
• Misunderstood by loved ones.
• Hopeless about being able to recover.

Stigma can also lead to serious consequences such as employment discrimination and exclusion from social activities, which only contribute to the worsening of a person’s mental health difficulties.

The best way to stop these negative consequences is for people to educate themselves and combat the myths about mental health.

Final Word on Mental Health Myths

Identifying and addressing the misconceptions about mental illness can help end the stigma around mental health. Through empathy and support, we can create an environment that encourages people to seek treatment. 

One way to find help is by reaching out to Mission Connection Healthcare’s support line and speaking with a caring and compassionate member of our team. We offer confidential support, advice, and information about our treatment center, resources, and services.

Mental health professionals at Mission Connection Healthcare personalize treatment options to best meet each person’s individual needs. We offer convenient outpatient and telehealth programs, making therapy extremely accessible to anyone, regardless of their schedule or situation. 

So, if you’re struggling with your mental health, or you know someone who needs a helping hand, know that it’s okay to ask for help. We’re eager to help in any way we can at Mission Connection Healthcare. Don’t wait—get started today. 

References

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, September). Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
2. American Psychological Association. (2019, May). Survey: Americans Becoming More Open About Mental Health. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/05/mental-health-survey
3. Mandell, W. (n.d.). Origins of Mental Health: The Realization of an Idea. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/mental-health/about/origins-of-mental-health
4. Thornicroft, G., Mehta, N., Clement, S., Evans-Lacko, S., Doherty, M., Rose, D., Koschorke, M., Shidhaye, R., O’Reilly, C., & Henderson, C. (2016). Evidence for effective interventions to reduce mental-health-related stigma and discrimination. Lancet (London, England), 387(10023), 1123–1132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00298-6
5. Devendorf, A. R., Rum, R., Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2022). Optimal Well-Being After Psychopathology: Prevalence and Correlates. Clinical Psychological Science, 10(5), 981–996. https://doi.org/10.1177/21677026221078872
6. Medical News Today. (2020, October 5). Medical myths: Mental health misconceptions. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-mental-health-misconceptions
7. World Health Organization. (2024, October 10). Mental health of adolescents. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health