There’s no denying that mental health awareness has developed in the last few years. However, there are still major misconceptions to tackle. These myths frequently hinder individuals from acquiring the help that they truly need, leading to self-induced distress.
Whether you are looking for credible information or considering going to get help, these myths need to be tackled to improve overall wellbeing. The Chicago psychiatrist website chicagopsychiatrists.com provides trustworthy information and professional assistance if you’re looking for it.
Let’s explore eight mental health myths that psychiatrists in Chicago hope will eventually be dispelled.
1. Only Individuals with Severe Mental Illnesses Undergo Therapy
Many believe that therapy is reserved for those suffering from serious psychiatric conditions. In reality, knowing how to cope and having a support system in place can help anyone who is undergoing life changes, is stressed, or is emotionally drained.
A trained psychiatrist or therapist can help you develop coping strategies and improve your overall well-being.
2. Your Personality Will Change If You Start Undergoing Medication
Contrary to popular belief, medication doesn’t change who you are as a person; it helps your brain find balance. While finding the right dosage of medication might take some effort, it is worth it in the long run as it will help stabilize moods and improve daily functioning without altering the core personality.
3. Mental Disorders Can Be ‘Willed’ Away
There are no illnesses of mental health that can be tackled with mere willpower. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are medical illnesses that require attention. Putting off treatment will only exacerbate the symptoms in the long term. Seeking attention from a practitioner should be regarded as an act of courage, not cowardice.
4. Only Lazy People Seek Therapy
Emotional resilience has nothing to do with one’s ability to seek therapy. Strong and successful people like athletes, businessmen, and artists frequently consult mental health experts to help them deal with stress, increase concentration, and stabilize emotions. Strong and successful people seek therapy.
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5. Elementary Students and Adolescents Are Immune To Mental Illnesses
As is commonly believed, these mental disorders affect the younger population the most because they need additional support to pass through the tough teenage years. Actually, this is one of the most damaging stereotypes. If children suffer from anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems, getting professional help can be life-altering.
6. Discussing Mental Health Can Aggravate the Illnesses Further
There’s a belief that dealing with mental problems is dangerous, as doing so could worsen them. However, many tend to find that having such approaches does relieve and solve. Helping such people at the start will support them and reduce the stigma within society.
7. Psychiatrists Only Handle Medication Prescriptions
Medical doctors are able to prescribe medication, and it is true that psychiatrists are trained to do so. They are also able to perform psychotherapy, offer guidance on relevant lifestyle changes, and take a more global view toward mental illness.
Many practitioners utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness strategies, as well as various lifestyle interventions.
8. Mental Health Disorders Are Rare
The general population is far more susceptible to the struggles of mental health issues. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that almost one in five adults in the USA suffers from a mental illness every year. Understanding the prevalence of these challenges is the first step to destigmatizing care.
Conclusion
Mental health myths can be damaging and often prevent people who desperately need help from getting it. By self-educating and challenging stigma, we can make society less hostile and more accommodating.
In case you need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a skilled psychologist in Chicago for tailored treatment plans. Your mental health is essential, and you can get help.