Debunking the stigma that surrounds mental health disorders

For centuries mental health disorders have been seen with a negative perspective, like in the Middle Ages when people were seen as witches or demonically possessed, or in the 19th century when asylums were one the main resolutions for someone with mental disorders. It was a common misconception for them to see them as “crazy” or “lunatics”. This led to people getting mistreated, tortured, or outcasts. (byarcadia.org)

A common misconception is that people with mental health disorders are violent. In reality, there is a rare chance for that to happen. For someone to get aggressive, they might not be under treatment or could have been triggered. Along with that, many people are seen as weak because of their disorder. In truth they might be weak because due to any number of other causes including genetics or past traumas.

These perceptions can prevent people from getting the help they need. People often fear the opinions of other people if it was discovered that they sought therapy. The ideas come from misinformation and old conceptions developed when science had been obscure about the problems, causes and treatments of mental health disorders.

Now we have advancements in understanding that these are medically diagnosed disorders. These days, mental health is something that people are more open to talking about as we continue to become better informed. (familydoctor.org)

One of the most important misconceptions that continues to prevent forward movement in understanding mental health disorders is that we can’t help someone with the condition. As friends and family members of people suffering from mental health disorders, we can always show support and respect. We help them find Mental Health
services and learn about what they’re going through.

If you need assistance for yourself or someone else who is suffering from Mental Health disorders, feel free to contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline, “a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.” Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Also visit the online treatment locator.