Mental health issues often produce sharply contrasting sets of opinions and beliefs. In times past, most people didn’t even view mental illness as a medical condition. Instead, they saw it as criminal behavior which the law courts needed to deal with. The Greeks believed that depression was caused by the body fluid called black bile, while insanity was caused by yellow bile. It is true that we have come a long way from there, yet a host of biases still exist around mental health.

Here are some of the most common modern day biases regarding mental health –

Treatment is greatly addictive

Many people still believe that treatment of mental disorders is either greatly addictive or turns patients into zombies. You may have seen this in news coverage, entertainment channels, and of course in social media memes. General ignorance about how a person experiences symptoms of mental illness is a major reason behind this myth.

Our awareness about mental illness is often shaped by the people around us- our religious and cultural practices, geographical location and lifestyle. Medical science may not support these. Some of these beliefs and practices could be harmful for those suffering from mental health disorders. They could make them feel devalued, dismissed, and even dehumanized.

If you or any of your family members are experiencing symptoms of mental health issues, the first step towards better health is to consult a psychiatrist. This will help you find out the underlying conditions and get accurate treatment. You can also make an online psychiatrist appointment for treating the condition.

Treatments are optional  

Another common myth that exists about mental health is that treatment is optional. Unlike medication for conditions like cancer or heart disease, which most people think is compulsory.

However, in reality, evidence suggests the following-

• Some functions of the human brain regulated by neurochemical transmitters may need to be corrected through medical intervention.
• Trauma, experiences, and genetic factors can impair our ability to function, think properly, make decisions, and control moods.

Food, sleep and exercise can help cure mental illness

It may surprise you to know that many still believe that mental health disorders are caused by laziness or demons.  Others think that food, extra sleep, exercise or simply going out more often, can help cure mental illnesses. What is even more alarming is the belief that people suffering from mental health conditions have the power to cure them but don’t. This pervasive message has the potential to keep people away from looking for medical or help.

These stereotypes can stop you from seeking help for your mental health issues. Experts recommend building proper awareness about mental health issues by accessing verified information. You can make a psychiatrist online appointment on DocGenie today to understand more about mental health conditions and their cure.

Medication cannot save lives of people with mental health issues

According to mental health experts, disorders of the mind can be very dangerous. The greatest risk of the biases regarding mental health is that they tend to ignore this fact. Discouraging patients from seeking treatment could kill them. While some medications can have side effects, with the right combination and dosage, medications can save lives. One of the safest ways is to talk to the best psychiatrist in India online to know more about the side effects and cure.

It’s also important to note that suicide is the foremost risk factor for people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. With correct management, patients can overcome these issues.

For any mental health issue, a consultation with the best psychiatrist in India online can be a great way to initiate the first course of treatment.

Way forward

Today, there is a pressing and urgent need to change the culture around mental health illness. Addressing the stigmatised conditions, greater awareness and knowledge are critical in enhancing the quality of care and treatment. But, examining our own mindsets and biases is the first step towards any positive change in this direction. It is important to understand that mental health disorders can have as many negative ramifications as any physical ailment and can affect someone’s health, quality of life, and life expectancy.

Also read: 7 Ways To Reduce Mental Illness Stigma And Take Care Of Yourself

DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you with quality healthcare from the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you can book an online consultation with highly qualified doctors as well as book lab tests for home collection.