Panic The MotherPTM

BULLSHIT MYTHS AROUND MENTAL HEALTH

(Panic)
Shame and silence can be as bad as the mental health problem itself. Your attitude to mental health could change someone’s life.

1.
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AREN'T TRYING HARD ENOUGH TO FEEL BETTER.

Many people feel that someone with depression could alleviate it if they just tried a “little bit” harder to do so by exercising more, focus on the positives instead of the negatives, and get better sleep. People with anxiety would be cured if they could just stop worrying. There are many assumptions around this - sometimes the best thing to do is just understand someone's mental illness and ask if you can help somehow. This stigma (Bullshit) can make people with mental health issues become more isolated and obtain them from reaching out for the help that is needed.

2.
THERE IS NO PREVENTING MENTAL ILLNESS COMPLETELY.

The truth is that there is no one way to prevent every single mental illness. Studies around the UK prove over and over again that we are able to prevent or mitigate the effects of mental illness. Usually, getting diagnosed with a mental health condition is helpful and allows individuals to take more control, allowing them to live a fulfilling and productive life.

By breaking this stigma (Bullshit) and acknowledging mental illness is a normal diagnosis, we can help by connecting people with the necessary resources to get them help right away and get everything under control

3.
YOU CAN TELL WHEN SOMEONE HAS A MENTAL ILLNESS.

Not all the Mental health problems are visible, but they are very common, thousands of people in the UK are dealing with it. You probably have someone in your life who is affected by it but may not know. Having mental illness doesn't mean that you are crazy or acting differently. There are so many types of illness and stigmas (bullshit) like these are the reason why people with mental health illness aren’t seeking help and are afraid to inform everyone around them that they have depression, anxiety or any other disorder.

4.
YOU CAN NEVER RECOVER FROM A MENTAL ILLNESS
.

People who are suffering from mental illness might assume that the condition will be around forever and will never be cured completely. While some mental illnesses admittedly do not have a cure, that doesn't mean many of them can't at least be improved upon and the symptoms managed. Most people diagnosed with a mental health condition can experience relief from their symptoms and live a satisfying life by actively participating in a personal treatment plan. Mental illness won't go away on its own, and treatment is necessary.

5.
PILLS CAN SOLVE EVERYTHING.

Taking medication can certainly help with treatment in a big way, and many people do depend on them to feel better. However, like breaking your arm, the recovery will require a lot of work on yourself. There are no happy pills that will make everything perfect. Every medication needs to be administered by a professional and it is important to inform them if you have any side effects. Arm yourself with a treatment plan that can be long lasting and add many ways to help. Medication alone is not always the answer.

6.
MEDICATION ALWAYS LEAD TO ABUSE AND ADDICTION.

One reason a lot of people steer clear of medication is because they worry they will become addicted. While this is certainly a possibility, it can be avoided with proper consultation from a doctor with ongoing check-ups and support. Never stop any medication without talking it through, having a plan with your doctor and communicating with people involved in your life.

7.
PTSD IS JUST SOMETHING YOU GET IF YOU WERE IN THE MILITARY.

It is often believed that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is something people only experience after being in the military or fighting in a war. This couldn't be further from the truth. Anyone who experiences some sort of trauma could be at risk of PTSD. PTSD "is an anxiety disorder that some people get after seeing or living through a dangerous event." Anyone can experience it including veterans; survivors of abuse; people who have been in accidents or disasters; or even someone who went through a stressful birth. In fact, people can even get it if a friend or family member experiences harm or if someone close to them dies. It is very important to speak about your PTSD and understand that everyone’s traumatic experience counts and needs to be dealt with.

8.
BIPOLAR IS WHEN YOU HAVE WILD MOOD SWINGS

People with bipolar disorder may experience severe mood swings, but that is not a diagnosis that someone is bipolar. Depending on the way you experience these moods, and how they affect you may vary with each condition. Never self-diagnose on the internet - always seek professional help and don’t assume that everyone who is in a mood has bipolar or any other mental disorder.

9.
PEOPLE WITH OCD LIKE WASHING THEIR HANDS

OCD has two main parts: one is obsessions, which are unwelcome or overwhelming thoughts and urges, worries or doubts in your mind. The other is compulsions, which is any repetitive activity that is a coping mechanism to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions. This stigma (bullshit) has nothing directly to do with OCD syndromes.

10.
TAKING MEDICATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH CAN TURN PEOPLE INTO ZOMBIES

Every psychiatric drug has its side effects. Drugs don’t work the same way for everyone, so when doctors are deciding on a treatment plan, they don’t practically know how it’s going to affect you. That’s why there are ways to find the best mix and you won’t be a medicated zombie if you treat your illness with medication.

11.
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE TYPICALLY VIOLENT

Research proves this to be wrong and finds that most people with psychiatric disorders are not violent. Sure, some mentally ill people can commit violent crimes, but that is definitely not the norm. In fact, people suffering with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of violent behaviour. Stigma (bullshit) like this is highly promoted in movies and the best way to break them is to be educated about mental health conditions.

12.
CHILDREN WHO HAVE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES MUST HAVE BAD PARENTS

The Child Mind Institute explained that while bad parenting can sometimes exacerbate a disorder, it is not the cause, adding: "Things like anxiety, depression, autism and learning disorders are thought to have biological causes. Parenting isn’t to blame."

With this in mind, it is important to understand that kids from happy families can develop mental health issues.

13.
HAVING A MENTAL ILLNESS MEANS YOU’RE WEAK.

Mental illness should never be considered as sign of a weakness. Catching a cold, breaking an arm or any other visible health condition isn’t sign of weakness and neither is mental illness. Everyone can have mental health disorders and seeking help is normal. Developing a mental health problem is not the fault of a person with the condition. These are health conditions and not something anyone ever chooses to have. If you have a mental illness, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Stigmas (Bullshit) like these is a reason why people are afraid to seek help because society may think they are weak.

14.
IF SOMEONE IN YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY IS MENTALLY ILL, YOU PROBABLY WILL BE TOO.

Mental disorders are often the result of both genetic and environmental factors. Consequently, it is difficult for doctors to determine a person's risk of inheriting a mental disorder or passing on the disorder to their children. The causes of mental disorders are complex, requiring many interacting genes and environmental factors. Stigmas (Bullshit) like these can make someone feel cursed and live all the life in fear of becoming mentally ill when there is no way of predicting it.

15.
MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE RARE.

More and more people are admitting to facing different mental health issues. Research suggests that one in four people will experience a mental health problem. You probably already know someone who maybe struggling with a condition. Don’t be afraid to have meaningful conversation with people around you and help to break this stigma (bullshit).

16.
PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS AREN'T ABLE TO WORK.

Some very serious disorders can get in the way of a successful career. However, many people with a mental health illness can thrive in their career. Open communication with employers is vital to success. We all probably work with someone experiencing a mental health problem.

17.
YOUNG PEOPLE GO THROUGH UPS AND DOWNS. IT’S PART OF GROWING UP.

Teens are going through a period of great physical and mental change, and it could make them feel self-conscious or embarrassed. They may suffer from fast mood swings sometimes it could mean nothing. However, many mental health issues have their onset in adolescence. One in eight young people will experience a mental health problem. Make sure to have open conversations and give teens an opportunity to speak up and receive the help they need.

18.
AM I the only one who feels this way

Experiencing a mental health problem is often upsetting, confusing and frightening – especially at first. If you become unwell, you may feel weakness, or that you are 'losing your mind'. These fears are often reinforced by the negative (and often unrealistic) way that people experiencing mental health problems are portrayed in the media. This may stop you from talking about your problems or seeking help. It can also increase your distress and sense of isolation. You are not alone and there are so many resources for help.

19.
Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill.

Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. There isn’t one solution that works for everyone. Seeking help is always the first step and many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.

19.
I can't do anything for a person with a mental health problem.

Having a close friend or family member suffering from mental health problems can be hard. Friends and loved ones can make a big difference to the sufferer. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment. They can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need. There is so much more you can do. (LINK TO HELP PAGE)

22.
PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES SHOULD SPEND ALL THEIR DAY IN BED.

Being depressed can leave you feeling low in energy, which might put you off being more active. Regular exercise can boost your mood if you have depression, and it's especially useful for people with mild to moderate depression. Staying in bed and in isolation is not what is going to help your psyche.

24.
TELL SOMEONE WHO IS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK
to breathe into a paper bag during it.

You should never encourage someone to breathe into a paper bag during a panic attack. This isn't recommended and it might not be safe. This stigma comes for typical scenes in movies and is in no way helpful to the person who is having a panic attack. Make sure you educate yourself about panic attacks.

25.
RECOVERY IS A LONELY ROAD

There is a perception that addicts and mental health patients need to fight their fights alone and they become isolated. Many specialists are encouraging loved ones to take interest in the recovery process, join appointments and help to their loved ones with their targets. Family and friend involvement can be very stimulating and helpful.

27.
The mental health stats are exaggerated

Thankfully, people nowadays are able to talk about their experience more than in the past and many stigmas are being broken down. Thanks to this honesty and more open conversation scientists have been able to get more precise information on people affected by mental health illnesses. The data is not exaggerated, it's just becoming more precise.

28.
Therapy is for people who don’t have good friends.

There is a huge difference of talking to a friend and therapists. They have received special training to help people with mental health issues and work through the problems in a suitable way. Your friends can be an amazing support system and resource, but they can only work within the limits of their own experience and knowledge. Therapy just means that you are on the right track to improving your life and it has nothing to do with your friends. If you wish you can even invite them to join you for a session.

29.
Dissociative identity disorder is when you have lots of different people in your head.

People with DID can demonstrate a number of separate identities or alters but this is just a symptom of the main problem. This disorder is caused by severe or complex trauma during childhood and personalities of the “people in your head” develop as a way of coping.

30.
Autistic people don’t make eye contact.

Every autistic person is different, and some may prefer not to make eye contact. However, others can find it very stressful and choose to avoid it as trigger. However, autism condition with a wide spectrum of severities and manifestation, and there are very few universal symptoms.

31.
CHILDREN AREN’T OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW THEIR GENDER IDENTITY

It’s important to allow children to express their thoughts and feelings about their gender as they grow. Most children have an understanding of their gender by age three, but for some it could happen later like in their youth. It is important to be open minded and listen to their needs.

32.
Eating disorders only happen to young middle-class females and models.

These disorders can affect anyone, male or female, young or old and across all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. There isn’t one high-risk group and there are many more types of eating disorders than just anorexia. If you think some of your friends are suffering from this illness head to the ‘how to help’ section.

32.
ADHD means you are hyperactive

There are three types of ADHD: Inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combination. It depends on what type of disorder you have and hyperactiveness isn’t the only manifestation of ADHD. Be careful with jumping to conclusions and start by understanding mental health illness and educating yourself.

33.
Depression is a character flaw.

Some researchers now believe depression is caused by an imbalance in chemicals in the brain and can affect anyone, no matter their personality, gender or background. You wouldn’t put diabetes down to someone's character, so why do it with depression? It is an illness like anything else and needs to be treated as such. Always seek professional help if you are feeling depressed.

34.
YOU CAN DIE FROM A PANIC ATTACK!

You could experience heart palpitations, trembling, nausea and dizziness. But panic attacks cannot kill you. They can be intensely frightening, but they are manageable, and you can learn to control them.

35.
PEOPLE WITH ANXIETY ARE FEEBLE

This is not a sign of weakness and feeling anxiety should never be synonymous with that. Everyone, no matter their status, feels anxiety sometimes. It can affect anyone at any time. It has nothing to do with weakness.

36.
MOTHERs WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION DON’T LOVE THEIR BABY.

At least one in ten new mothers experience postpartum depression. Often when a baby is four to six months old. It’s mostly to do with the hormonal process that the body is going through, and not being able to develop a bond with their baby doesn’t mean that someone is a bad mother. There is no such thing as a perfect mother.

37.
ALCOHOL TAKES THE EDGE OFF ANXIETY.

It is not a long-term solution and if you are suffering from real mental illness substance abuse can only worsen your anxiety and lead to addiction. Don’t try to self-medicate - if you feel anxious looking for support with your friends and specialists if it’s significantly affecting your quality of life.

38.
DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE.

Nobody chooses to have depression or any other mental illness. Depression is a condition and there is nothing wrong with it. We have no control over this and we shouldn’t feel afraid to talk about it. (need more text)

39.
DEPRESSION IS TRIGGERED BY TRAUMATIC EVENTS.

Of Course there are people that get triggered by sad or traumatic events, but for the majority of people affected by depression it seemingly starts out of nowhere. There isn’t always a trigger or reason why. If someone starts to feel overwhelmed with everything remember to seek help.

40.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS CHANGE YOUR PERSONALITY.

Antidepressants work by boosting or prolonging the activity of particular chemicals in the brain in order to uplift your mood. It is important to have all the information to make the best choice for yourself. Sometimes it can take considerable time to find the right medications and correct dosages. It is important to be honest with your doctor about side effects and how you are feeling.

41.
TALKING ABOUT DEPRESSION ONLY MAKES IT WORSE.

People with depression can make themselves feel more isolated and it can become incredibly hard to cope with depression. Keeping thoughts and feelings to yourself can only worsen your emotional state. Talking about your depression is very important. This stigma (bullshit) is the worst possible way of dealing with your mental illness and there are so many ways to reach out and have the conversation. This can even be with a stranger if the thought of opening up to someone you know isn’t comfortable.

42.
MANIC EPISODES MAKE PEOPLE VERY HAPPY

Feeling high - having a manic episode is associated with bipolar disorder. Being in a euphoric or elevated mood doesn’t mean that persona is happy. Manic episodes can be distressing, disorientating, dangerous and incredibly frightening.

43.
BIPOLAR DISORDER MAKES YOU VERY PRODUCTIVE.

Having mania can result in increased productivity, but if a mood changes it can become extremely dangerous and lead to more risky decisions. It can even lead a person to a point where they no longer are in control of their actions or thoughts.

44.
EVERYONE IS A BIT OCD

OCD is not a quirk, nor is it a funny thing to say. Yes, we all have little idiosyncrasies, but these thoughts usually don't interfere with our daily lives. Stigmas (bullshit) like these glamorise having OCD, but there is no fun in being obsessive.

45.
YOU MUST ME THIN TO HAVE AN EATING DISORDER.

Eating disorders do not have a specific size. There are so many types of this disorder and each one has unique symptoms and results. These disorders come in all sizes and you can’t tell just by looking.

46.
SELF-HARM IS WHEN YOU CUT YOURSELF

Self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts themselves as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions. It doesn't necessarily need to be cutting as there are other ways to hurt yourself. This is stigmatised by movies and television. People who self-harm need understanding, help and support and not being stigmatised or blamed for it.

47.
ONLY THE ELDERLY GET DEMENTIA

Dementia is much more common in older people because they symptoms take time to progress and show. However, it also occurs in younger people. Ages 30-65 is the age mostly affected by this illness. There is no specific age and there are cases of some young people. There is still much research to be done on the causes and treatment of dementia.

48.
PEOPLE WHO KILL THEMSELVES DIDN’T WANT HELP

Asking for help is very hard, but when you are suffering from suicidal thoughts it's even harder. People can feel hopeless and most of the time they just don’t want to continue feeling the way they did. It is not about wanting help, but it is about knowing how to ask and the secret is there is no wrong way.

49.
PHOBIAS CAN’T BE CURED

Overcoming phobias can be very hard but taking therapies such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can help to find a way to manage fear and work with yourself once you're faced with a phobia. They are not magically going away but by understanding and working on them you will learn to manage and overcome them.

50.
SELF-ESTEEM MEANS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR APPROVAL FROM OTHERS

Our self-esteem evolves through our lives. Receiving praise from others can make us feel better but the real self-esteem comes from the relationship and experience we have with ourselves. This word is often misused, it is important to define what it means to everyone personally.

51.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) isn’t a serious condition.

Seasonal affective disorder is a recognized condition and can seriously impact a person's life. SAD can cause individuals to disconnect with family and friends and people really struggle with their everyday life. It is not just getting a little bit sad; this disorder is as serious as any other mental health issue.

52.
SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DON’T HAVE SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES

The lives that we see on Instagram may seem perfect, but we don’t know what is behind this happy famous person's selfie. A lot of successful people actually suffer from very low self-esteem and are sensitive to criticisms. Some of them have even spoken about that openly and now are becoming mental health advocates.