16 Oct 2020 | 3 mins

Thanks to TV shows and the media, there are a few things about mental health that aren't always accurately depicted. So it's about time we debunk these five myths about mental health that people still seem to get wrong to make sure we look out for each other. 

 

You can show other emotions 

For some reason people think if you are struggling with a mental illness you must be negative nancy who only wears black clothing 

Like anyone, people who have poor mental health can also show other emotions including happiness. Just because someone is smiling, laughing and looks like they're havin' a good time doesn't mean they don't have mental health issues.

You can't snap out of it

We would never expect someone with heart disease or diabetes to 'switch it off', yet it's often what is told to those struggling with mental illness. Just like heart diseases and diabetes, mental illnesses are legitimate medial conditions.

You can't snap out of mental illness like a bad mood. Mental illnesses are not situational disorders; they are clinical and chronic illnesses that impact the brain and affects how we think, feel and act. 

No two people are the same

It's often assumed that people with the same mental illness have the same experience; or if depression runs in your family then you're bound to get it too. None of these are true. Symptoms of mental illness are extremely complex and anyone can experience them.

Most mental illnesses are debilitating disorders than can cause a range of symptoms including hopelessness, irritability, a loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities, weight fluctuation, trouble sleeping or excessive sleep, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. 

Not everyone who struggles with mental health sits alone in a dark room and doesn't do anything fulfilling. Many people who struggle with mental illness are go-getters and hold down jobs just fine. Everyone's illness is different. 

OCD isn't just someone who likes things clean

Why is OCD considered a 'quirky' and 'cute' personality trait that everyone claims to have? Maybe misinterpreted by Emma from Glee or even Monica from Friends, OCD is more than just obsessive organisation and cleaning. 

A person with OCD doesn’t obsessively clean their kitchen just because they like it to be clean. A person with OCD is overwhelmed with anxiety and fear about what will happen if they don’t clean their kitchen properly. OCD can also mean counting and tapping, nervous tics, intrusive thoughts, or anxiety over things out of your control. 

Anxiety and depression aren't the only types of mental illnesses 

While some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, there are actually more than 200 classified forms of mental illness.