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Misconceptions About Mental Illness

Misconceptions About Mental Illness

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions around mental health. For example, many tend to think that those who deal with mental health problems are simply unable to feel better, or that they should “try” to just “get over” depression. However, it is not that easy. This article will be looking at three common misconceptions about mental illness.

“It’s Not Serious“

The first common misconception about mental illness is that it is nothing serious, or that it is easy to get rid of. How many times have you told someone about this illness and have received an underwhelming response or a response that insinuated that you simply needed to get over it? It is extremely frustrating, especially when it comes to the fact that mental illness can be all-encompassing and therefore can make you feel like nothing you do will help. Because of this, it’s important to remember that the feelings and the experience with mental illness are valid.

“You Could Get Better if You Really Wanted To”

Another very common myth is that people who deal with mental illness are simply “faking it” or that they could simply get better if they really wanted to. In such cases, it is incredibly frustrating to see individuals struggling with these stereotypes; after all, if one could so easily get over mental illness, why would they purposely choose not to? Again, your mental illness and experience with it are completely valid. Perhaps you have been struggling with mental health issues due to Covid-19 and feel guilty as you think your condition isn’t “bad enough” for you to get help? This is not the case– mental health is ALWAYS important!

“It’s Your Fault”

There is not much to say about this one other than that it is never your fault if a person is in crisis with mental illness. No matter how much they may feel like blaming themselves, mental illness is something that impacts many, if not most people at one point in their life. And, it’s never their fault.

Myths and misconceptions about mental health are often related to the stigma that surrounds mental disorders. This is a common problem that can prevent many individuals from getting the treatment they need. Misconceptions about mental health often lead to inaccurate stereotypes. In addition, stereotypes about mental disorders can further marginalize and isolate individuals who suffer from mental disorders. This can result in them having difficulties relating to others and feeling less comfortable about going to social functions and being around large groups of people. On that note, this concludes this week’s article.

Have you been struggling? Reach out today to get the help you deserve

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What To Expect Once We Are Out Of Lockdown

We are all waiting for it– the end of Covid-19! Of course, it may be rather optimistic to think this far ahead, but why not give it a try? When it comes to mental health, it is no longer a secret that these past few months have taken their toll on us all in some way or another, some in a good way and some in a negative way. That being said, with the pandemic being over at some point, we must also consider what to expect when we are out of lockdown. So, let’s talk about it. 

  1. Tackling Social Anxiety

We can work on reducing the impact of mental health issues every day. Whether it is by feeling less lonely, keeping in touch with our friends even if it feels like we’d rather just be alone in bed, or working on boosting our moods every day, there is always a way to work on bettering our mental health. As we are approaching the end of the lockdown, we should also consider certain things, such as whether or not feelings of social anxiety may resurface, and how we will deal with them. Indeed, if you feel like you are likely to want to avoid being in contact with others due to this, perhaps now is the time to start finding ways to cope with your social anxiety in order to have a smoother transition out of lockdown. 

  1. Re-integrating “normal life”

Re-integrating normal life may seem rather unlikely at the moment, but it will happen. Of course, it may be a different kind of normal, but it will still entail certain things such as going for coffee with friends, returning to the workplace, and no longer working from home or staying home every day of the week. So, a way to ease yourself into this is to keep yourself aware that this is coming soon! Similarly, you can try to think back of your old routines and may want to think about what they can bring. Can you re-establish these in your current day-to-day lifestyle? Is this something that is triggering some stress or perhaps anxiety? 

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

When we come out of lockdown, chances are that you may feel rather overwhelmed about coming back to normalcy. For example, some may feel a bit anxious about having to attend social events again or others may not like the idea of going back to their original work place instead of working from home. Indeed, we are creatures of habit. So, after almost a year of this, it is normal that we have some reticence to going back to the way things were before simply because we have grown accustomed to the way things are now. If this is your case, do not be afraid to speak about this to someone. It’s always okay to ask for help, especially in such times! 

If you are anxious about returning to normal, or if you don’t feel comfortable with the lockdown ending soon for any particular reason, reach out today. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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What is Depression ?

There is a difference between feeling low and being clinically depressed, how I hear you say, well let me explain.

Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re clinically depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.

They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety. So sometimes it can feel like your “get up and go, gets up and buggers off”.

Other symptoms of depression could include –

  • Continuous low mood or sadness 
  • Feeling hopeless and helpless 
  • Having low self-esteem  
  • Feeling tearful 
  • Feeling guilt-ridden 
  • Feeling irritable and intolerant of others  
  • Having no motivation or interest in things 
  • Finding it difficult to make decisions 
  • Not getting any enjoyment out of life 
  • Feeling anxious or worried
  • Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

Half of the battle is understanding what is going on for you and that you are not alone there are people you can speak to and places you can go so you don’t feel alone in your struggle. People don’t tend to feel low for no reason and sometime it could be down to a medical issue so something completely out of your hands.

If you feel like your depressed the first point of call is go make an appointment at you GPs, this is what they get paid for so don’t ever feel like your wasting their time they want you to go to them this is what they trained for remember.

Lets look at this differently ok, if you broke your leg would you seek medical help ? if you had the flu or a chest infection would you seek medical help ?? IT’S THE SAME THING !! just because you cant see it, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist

What Can I do To Help Myself??

1) Don’t bottle things up – find someone to talk to about how you are feeling.


2) Make sure you get plenty of exercise and plenty of fresh air. You will find that even if you do a quick walk every day and a short period of other exercise each day you will start to feel physically and emotionally stronger and more able to cope.


3) Make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet – eat little and often and don’t skip meals. If you are not eating properly you will feel more depressed and listless.


4) Try and keep busy – to keep your mind occupied.


5) Do things you enjoy to relax, treat yourself and take care of yourself.


6) Try and get to bed at a regular time. If you find it difficult to sleep listen to the radio/TV/read and you may find you drop off to sleep more easily.


7) Don’t resort to unhealthy ways of dealing with your problems like drinking, taking drugs, cutting, eating disorders.


8) Ask for help when you need it.


9) Try to stop thinking in a negative way – when you think a negative thought try and replace it with a positive one.


10) If you need a hug ask someone you trust – this can make you feel that someone really does care how you are feeling.