As we close May and Mental Health Awareness month, we are sharing this last bonus blog by Vicki as a reminder. A reminder that mental health awareness doesn’t end on June 1. We hope it inspires continued reflection, conversation, and commitment to prioritizing mental health—not just in May, but all year long. Most of all, we hope it provides the thoughtful insights and helpful information that we are always striving to share with you—our community.
In 2013 I began working with mentally ill individuals and learning more about severe mental illness. Most of my clients had a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder and were as young as 19 up to those in their 60’s. I was extremely excited to learn more about helping people who suffer with chronic and often debilitating symptoms.
The response I got from people while sharing about this new chapter was interesting.
Several people asked me, “won’t that be dangerous?”
This surprised me. I knew that thinking someone diagnosed with schizophrenia was dangerous was not accurate and based on stereotypical views perpetuated by the media. I was surprised that others in my circle didn’t know this.
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness with symptoms including hallucinations (seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling things that do not exist outside of the mind,) delusions (unusual beliefs not based in reality,) disorganized speech, paranoia and negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression.)
Those with schizophrenia have a higher risk of both suicide and premature death from other health conditions. This group of individuals need support and treatment. As stigma can get in the way of people accessing help, it’s important to do what we can to reduce it. We must challenge the stereotypes, myths and false ideas about those struggling with mental illness.
Here are some mental illness myths and facts to think about.
- Myth: Schizophrenic patients are more likely to be violent. Fact: Most people with a schizophrenia diagnosis are not violent. In fact, research shows that they are more at risk of being victims of violence.
- Myth: Hearing voices is always a distressing experience for the person hearing them. Fact: Some people who hear voices find comfort in them. Many people find hearing voices extremely distressing, but that isn’t the experience of everyone. Research indicates that in other parts of the world, voice hearing tends to be less associated with distress.
- Myth: Schizophrenia is not treatable. Fact: Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, but medication, therapy and lifestyle (sleep hygiene and nutrition) can help with managing symptoms. The condition can have periods of both remission and relapses.
- Myth: People with mental illness can’t have a social life. Fact: Mentally ill individuals are more likely to experience loneliness and isolation due to negative symptoms and stigma but social support can be a helpful part of recovery.
- Myth: Depression is “all in your head.” Fact: Experiencing depression can not only lead to negative or dark thoughts, it can also contribute to physiological symptoms like low energy, pain and change in appetite (among others.) Depression is a complex problem that can impact all areas of a persons life.
- Myth: Once you start taking medication for your anxiety or depression symptoms, you’re on medication for life. Fact: Medication can be helpful for some people long term, and for some people short term. Many people take medication for a season of life and then don’t go back on it. Others might take antidepressants for a brief period, go off them, and then decide to go back on them later. Every individual is different. Talking about your concerns around this with a psychiatrist can help you decide what might work best for you.
- Myth: If you change your thinking, you can cure your depression/anxiety. Fact: The way we think is a huge contributor to how we feel, but sometimes, we can get too caught up in trying to think our way out of mental health issues (rumination, anyone!?) This doesn’t work because our emotions, physical feelings and behaviors in connection with our thought patterns are all important parts of the puzzle. We are not only our thoughts!
These are only a few mental illness myths. What other myths have you heard about mental illness?
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“you look at me and cry everything hurts i hold you and whisper – but everything can heal”
Rupi Kaur
