Mental health issues seem to be more prevalent than ever.
Depression and anxiety have become diseases of the modern age and we see them more and more often.
But despite this, there are still many lies and myths about depression and anxiety that encourage discrimination against people who suffer from them, but also distract them from seeking help.
What are the myths and lies that it is time to stop believing?
Myth 1: Depression and other mental health problems are contagious
There is no virus or bacteria that causes depression, which means these disorders are not contagious at all.
It is true that if your loved one suffers from depression, you will be worried and sad for them, but that does not mean that you have contracted their depression.
Depression and anxiety are caused by various factors, such as a bad living situation, but they cannot be contagious.
Myth 2: People with depression and anxiety should only think positively
It is important to distinguish between occasional negative emotions and depression or anxiety.
Negative emotions are completely normal and we all have them from time to time.
Depression, on the other hand, causes feelings like hopelessness, indifference, etc., which cannot be removed by positive thinking alone.
Anxiety, on the other hand, causes a feeling of fear for no reason and in this case positive thinking cannot be of any help.
That is, it is not for nothing that professional help is always needed to treat these disorders.
Myth 3: Once you start therapy, the problems will go away
There are various treatments for anxiety and depression, including talking to a professional and drug therapy.
But it is important to know that this is an ongoing process. You cannot expect to feel better after the first visit to a psychiatrist.
If you take drugs (only prescribed by a doctor), it will take time before they start working.
If you talk to a professional, it will take time to get to the root of your mental health issues and then work on them.
Myth 4: People with mental health problems are aggressive and violent
It is true that there are mental illnesses that can make a person aggressive or violent. But this cannot be said for all people with such problems.
In fact, people with depression and anxiety are much more likely to harm themselves than someone else.
It is important to be aware of this fact in order to stop discrimination against people who have these disorders.
Myth 5: People with depression and anxiety cannot be part of society
Another myth that encourages discrimination against these people.
People with depression and anxiety can be active members of society. In fact, there is a high probability that in your circle of acquaintances there is at least one person with this problem, without you even being aware of it.
There are many with depression or anxiety who are successful and you would never suspect that they suffer from such a problem.
This is a great indicator that they are not a threat to society.
Myth 6: People with depression and anxiety can’t work
We have already mentioned that there are many people who are successful despite having mental health problems.
It’s true that depression, anxiety, and other similar disorders can make it difficult for these people to work, but that doesn’t mean they’re incompetent.
Myth 7: Children and teenagers do not have mental health problems
This is a terrible lie that trivializes the mental health problems of children and teenagers.
Depression and anxiety are not age-specific and can affect anyone, no matter how old they are.
If you have a child and you notice changes in his behavior, or he tells you that he is depressed, take him seriously and help him.
Myth 8: Depression and anxiety reduce intellectual ability
There is no evidence that depression or anxiety can reduce a person’s intellectual ability.
On the contrary, numerous studies have shown that a higher IQ is associated with an increased risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
