Reader’s Digest: It’s easy to dismiss mental health issues as being “all in your head.” Here’s why that’s not just unfair, but also counterproductive and even dangerous.
Mental illness isn’t real: Because the scars left by a mental illness are invisible from the outside, many people question the legitimacy of mental health disorders. “Not only is this a myth, but it’s really insulting and demeaning to people with these conditions,” says Debbie Plotnick, vice president of mental health and systems advocacy at Mental Health America. Mental illnesses are real conditions that deserve to be taken seriously, and doubting their validity assumes that people suffering from these disorders are faking it, making them feel ashamed of their condition and possibly keeping them from getting the help they need. These are the silent signs you could have an anxiety disorder.
No one I know struggles with their mental health: Mental health conditions are way more common than you might realize, and chances are you likely know someone grappling with one. Mentalhealth.gov estimates that 1 in 5 American adults has suffered from a mental health issue, and 1 in 25 adults has experienced a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Additionally, depression claims more than 41,000 lives each year, as the leading cause of suicide. These shocking statistics prove that it’s time to understand the urgency of the issue. Know the warning signs, and watch out for the clear symptoms of depression.
You should wait until things get really bad to treat your condition: People affected by mental illnesses are often hesitant to get treatment, for fear that they don’t have it “bad enough” or that medications or therapy won’t work. However, Plotnick says this is the entirely wrong mindset to have. The earlier you can treat the illness, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to get rid of it more quickly and more successfully. According to Mental Health First Aid Colorado, the most effective time to begin treatment is between the ages of 12 and 17, before the person has encountered a “severe psychotic episode.” Doing so makes it increasingly likely that the person will never go through one of these serious incidents, making it easier to manage their illness. If you’re wondering whether you have depression or just everyday sadness, here’s how to tell the difference.
Mental illnesses are caused by personal issues: Mental illness is nobody’s fault. It can happen to absolutely anybody, no matter your age, gender, race, or economic class, and you should not feel guilty or ashamed. Saying that someone’s mental health condition is caused by their own personal weakness places the blame on the victim, which only makes them feel even worse.
Rather than blaming the person battling mental illness, understand that these conditions can be caused by a multitude of factors, such as genetics, a poor diet, or substantial life changes. Here are the well-meaning but misguided things you should never say to someone with depression.
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