Why do some people refuse to seek professional help when dealing with mental health challenges?
A survey done by the National Council of Social Service (2017) has found that 7 out of 10 respondents acknowledge that those struggling with mental health situations face stigma and discrimination in their daily lives. But 5 out of 10 believe that persons with mental health challenges should not be given any responsibility and another 6 out of 10 believe that mental health struggles are caused by a lack of discipline and willpower.
Stigma, prejudice and discrimination are some of the reasons why people with mental health challenges refuse to seek professional help. To find out more, click here.
Table of Contents
- Here’s What You Need to Know About Mental Health
- Debunking Seven Myths Behind Mental Health
- Mental Health Challenges Are Uncommon
- Children Don’t Experience Mental Health Challenges
- People With Mental Health Struggles Cannot Work
- Having Mental Health Challenges Is a Sign of Weakness
- Mental Health Challenges Are Incurable
- People With Mental Health Challenges Are Violent
- Therapy Is Only for Those With No Friends
- Conclusion
Here’s What You Need to Know About Mental Health
There is still plenty of stigma surrounding mental health. The survey on attitudes towards persons with mental health challenges in Singapore by the National Council of Social Service (2017) has shown that while most of the respondents agree to reduce societal stigma, they are still reluctant to accept people with mental health challenges on an individual level.
But the truth is, many of the things that people think are true about mental health are not. As an effort to create awareness and educate more people on the topic, here are seven common myths about mental health.
Debunking Seven Myths Behind Mental Health
1. Mental Health Challenges Are Uncommon
Although Singapore is seeing a recent increase in the number of mental health challenges due to the pandemic, mental health challenges were never uncommon. Even before the pandemic, people were already facing mental health situations.
A report by the World Health Organisation (2001) estimated that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological challenges at some point in their lives. And now we are seeing 450 million people all over the world experiencing these challenges (Newman, 2020).
2. Children Don’t Experience Mental Health Challenges
Although this may come as a shock for some people, children are susceptible to mental health situations too. Young children may show early signs of mental health concerns due to biological, psychological and social factors. And these signs are often clinically diagnosable.
According to research by the World Health Organisation (2020), half of all mental health challenges signs can be seen before a person turns 14 years old. But unfortunately, less than 20% of children with mental health challenges do not receive the necessary treatments.
3. People With Mental Health Struggles Cannot Work
This is a common myth about how people with mental health struggles cannot hold down a job. And it was reported that in most parts of the world, including Singapore, the unemployment rate of people with mental health struggles is disturbingly high (Ann, 2017).
Indeed, some people with severe mental health situations may not be able to carry our regular work, but the majority of people with mental health challenges are just as productive as any other people.
4. Having Mental Health Challenges Is a Sign of Weakness
Calling someone with mental health struggles as weak is similar to calling someone with a broken arm as weak. Mental health challenges are not caused by being lazy or weak.
The common factors that can contribute to these challenges are biological, family history or life experiences. This statement has never been more wrong. If anything, people with mental health struggles are very strong as fighting mental health challenges take a great deal of strength and willpower.
5. Mental Health Challenges Are Incurable
Another misconception that people often have about mental health is that it’s incurable. Mental health is not a life sentence. With more access to treatments and support systems today, people with mental health challenges can get better and participate fully in their communities.
6. People With Mental Health Challenges Are Violent
Although some people with certain mental challenges can indeed become violent, they are just the minority. Most people with severe mental health challenges are more likely to be victims of violent crime than being the perpetrators themselves (Thornicroft, 2020).
7. Therapy Is Only for Those With No Friends
Friends and family members can greatly help people who are struggling with mental health challenges. But there is a difference between getting support from friends and families as compared to getting professional help.
Trained psychotherapists can help people with mental health challenges to address issues constructively in a confidential setting. Even when there are friends and family members, it is highly recommended to seek help from trained professionals.
Conclusion
The stigma surrounding mental health can influence someone’s decision to seek professional help. Therefore, to reduce stigma, start by better understanding the subject of mental health. It is never too late for someone who is struggling with mental health challenges to get the right help. Here at Centre for Psychotherapy, we work with clients of all ages and walks of life. For students, teachers, and healthcare workers, we have initiated our STAR Programme.
References
Ann, C. S. (2017, October 7). People with mental illness deserve a shot at work, Opinion News & Top. The Straits Times.
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/people-with-mental-illness-deserve-a-shot-at-work
Goh, T. (2020, October 15). More in Singapore seek help for mental health issues amid Covid-19 pandemic. The Straits Times.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/more-seek-help-for-mental-health-issues-amid-pandemic
Mental Health Myths and Facts | MentalHealth.gov. (2017, August 29). MentalHealth.Gov.
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts
Newman, T. (2020, October 5). Medical myths: Mental health misconceptions. Medical News Today.
Ng, C. (2018, September 9). Many still steer clear of people with mental illness: Poll. The Straits Times.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/many-still-steer-clear-of-people-with-mental-illness-poll
Thornicroft, G. (2020). People with severe mental illness as the perpetrators and victims of violence: time for a new public health approach.
The Lancet Public Health, 5(2), e72–e73. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(20)30002-5
World Health Organisation. (2001, September 28). The World Health Report 2001: Mental Disorders affect one in four people.
World Health Organisation. (2020, September 28). Adolescent mental health.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
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