We all have doubts about mental health at some point or another. Maybe we think that OCD means that you’re a neat freak, or that addiction is just a lack of willpower. Maybe we think that schizophrenia means you have a split personality, or that children can’t suffer from mental health problems. In this article, we will dispel six of the most common myths and misconceptions about mental health. So read on to learn more!
Not All Neat Freaks Have OCD
Many people think that OCD is just a disorder that causes people to be obsessively clean and tidy. However, OCD actually manifests itself in many different ways, and not all neat freaks have it. As explained by mental health professionals at Socal Sunrise Mental Health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes constant and repetitive thoughts, or obsessions. These thoughts happen with unnecessary and unreasonable desires to carry out certain behaviors, or compulsions. Many people with OCD realize that their thoughts and actions are unreasonable, yet they cannot stop them. So, you see that OCD isn’t necessarily connected to being a clean freak, and many people with OCD are actually quite messy. Instead, it means that you have intrusive thoughts that you can’t get out of your head. For example, you may constantly worry about germs and contamination, or that you will hurt someone if you don’t do things a certain way.
Panic Attacks Aren’t Fatal
Many people think that panic attacks are deadly, but this is actually not the case. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that lasts for several minutes. It can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. However, panic attacks are not fatal. Although, it is worth noting that someone experiencing a panic attack may be more likely to have an accident. If someone is having a panic attack or suspects one is on the way, finding a safe place can help mitigate the risk. This way, the person can relax and let the attack run its course.
Addiction is a Disease
It is important to know that addiction is a serious disease, not a lack of willpower or moral failure. Substance abuse disorders are real medical conditions that affect the brain, and they require treatment. Just like any other illness, addiction requires diagnosis, care, and management in order to overcome it. In fact, research findings suggest that addicts do not appear to lack willpower. Rather, recovery is reliant on developing strategies to maintain willpower by controlling the environment.
Schizophrenia Doesn’t Mean Split Personality
Many people think that schizophrenia means you have a split personality, but this is not actually the case. Split personality, or dissociative identity disorder, is a completely different mental health condition. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can cause hallucinations and delusions, as well as changes in mood and energy levels. Schizophrenia does not mean that a person has two or more personalities, it just means that they are experiencing a wide range of symptoms. For example, a person with schizophrenia may hear voices, have delusions, or be completely disengaged from reality. On the other hand, a person with dissociative identity disorder will have distinct personalities that control their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Mental Health Problems Can Affect Children As Well
Many people think that mental health problems only affect adults, but this is not the case. Mental health disorders can also affect children and adolescents. In fact, one in five children in the United States has a mental health disorder. This can range from ADHD to depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to know that these conditions are real and should be treated. Just like adults, children need a diagnosis, care, and support in order to get better. When a problem is detected early, it can often be treated successfully.
Everyone Is Anxious
It is important to remember that anxiety is a normal, human emotion. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel anxious before an interview or a big test. This type of anxiety is called “normal” or “healthy” anxiety. It helps us to stay alert and focused. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or disabling, it can be classified as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are real mental health conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. They are the most common psychiatric disorder in the United States. It is characterized by persistent and excessive fear and worry. This can lead to difficulty concentrating, sleeping, and carrying out everyday activities. Although anxiety is common, it should not be ignored or dismissed. It is important to get help if it becomes too much to handle.
These are six of the most common mental health doubts that people have. However, there are many others. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or therapist. They can help to clarify any doubts that you may have and provide you with the care and support that you need. Remember, mental health is important, and it should not be ignored. Get help if you need it.
