From Misunderstood to Empowered: The Truth About Mental Health

Written By Rebecka Green

Rebecka Green, LCSW, LCADC, EMDR therapist 

As we begin a new month, it's important to take a moment to reflect on both the highs and lows of the previous month and set clear, meaningful intentions for the days ahead.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and it marks a powerful reminder of something we all live with: mental health. Whether we’re navigating our own challenges or supporting loved ones, mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. According to the Mental Health America 2024 State of Mental Health in America Report, approximately 60 million adults, nearly 1 in 4, experienced a mental illness in the past year. Even more eye-opening, nearly 13 million adults reported serious thoughts of suicide. Behind those numbers are stories, struggles, and silent battles being fought every day. Awareness is only the beginning, it must be followed by compassion, education, and action.

Within this blog post, I have picked some of the myths that are most frustrating to me in hopes that by debunking them, it will encourage people to share their stories, speak up, raise awareness, and reduce stigma.

Debunking Common Mental Health Myths 

Raising awareness and showing support also means challenging the misinformation that fuels stigma and keeps people from seeking the help they deserve. Let’s start to clear up some common misconceptions by reviewing some of the myths that frustrate me the most. 

Myth 1: Mental illness is a sign of weakness. 

Fact: Mental illnesses are not a sign of personal weakness or character flaws. According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental illnesses are a result of a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. 

I think of life as a jump rope - it has its ups and downs. We all experience great moments and devastating moments and need a little support and guidance but certainly doesn’t make use weak.

Myth 2: Children and teens don’t experience mental health problems 

Fact: Mental health disorders often begin in childhood or adolescence. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), half of all mental disorders appear before the age of 14, and three-quarters of mental disorders begin before age 24. Making early intervention is critical.

I remember being in my teens. It definitely comes with its own set of challenges from trying to understand who I was, how I fit into my family and with my friends, and what I believed in. Struggling with mental health made those years even more difficult. Support during these formative years was and is so important, to not only grow into the person you are meant to be but also learn how to deal with difficult situations.

Myth 3: Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness. 

Fact: Therapy supports people facing a wide range of challenges, not just clinical mental illness. As stated by the National Institute of Mental Health, people seek therapy for many reasons, including grief, daily stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and coping skill development. Everyone can benefit from mental health support. 

Myth 4: Talking about mental illness will make it worse 

Fact: Talking about mental illness and mental health in general can help reduce stigma and spread awareness, and promote understanding. Talking about situations that cause discomfort can reduce stress and increase problem-solving 

The fact of the matter is, it's okay to not be okay. We all have bad days, days when the littlest thing will send us into a spiral. We need to be able to provide ourselves with compassion and room to feel our feelings and grow with them. And when we can't do that for ourselves, we need someone to talk to be able to guide us. 

Myth 5: People should just “snap out of it” or “get over it.”

Fact: Mental health issues are not something that you can just get over. It can be a complex medical issue involving changes in the brain function and chemistry, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many times, healing from mental health issues involves time, support, and sometimes professional treatment. 

You Are Not Alone 

If you take one thing out of my posting this month, I hope that it is, you are not alone. Whether you’re struggling, healing, or supporting someone on their journey, there are people who see you and walk with you. 

At Resilience to Thrive Counseling and Consulting, we are committed to helping individuals and communities grow stronger together, so that everyone has the opportunity to get out of autopilot or survival mode and start thriving. 

Join us this month as we continue to lift each other up, speak openly about mental health, and invest in resilience that makes thriving possible.

 

Reference 

Rebecka Green
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