Mental health affects all of us, yet it’s often a taboo topic. We tell ourselves lies about mental health to avoid dealing with our issues and emotions. From believing we’re alone in our struggles to minimizing the importance of taking care of our minds, these lies can prevent us from getting the help we need. Here are 25 common lies we tell ourselves about mental health – and why they’re not true.
“Mental Health Isn’t Important”
Ignoring mental health issues won’t make them disappear, and downplaying their importance can prevent you from seeking the help you need. If ignored, mental health issues can be dangerous.
Mental health greatly affects how you think, feel, and act. So, it’s important to take your mental health seriously, and to prioritize seeking help when necessary.
“Mental Illness Is Only for People Who Are Weak”
Having a mental illness does not mean you are weak. Mental health issues can affect anyone, no matter how strong or resilient they may be. It’s important to recognize that mental illness is an illness like any other physical ailment.
“I Don’t Need Help”
Just because you think it’s not severe doesn’t mean you don’t need help. Mental health struggles can be just as real and disabling as physical ones. However, they’re so often hidden; you may think that your problems need to be more serious to warrant seeking help.
“Everyone Has Bad Days”
While it’s normal to experience negative emotions from time to time, persistent feelings of hopelessness or despair are not normal. If you’re feeling down, it’s likely a sign that something more serious is going on; get professional help as soon as possible.
“It’s All in My Head”
You may feel mental health struggles are not real, but this could not be further from the truth. Mental health issues can have real physical effects on your body. Mental health problems don’t always manifest in physical symptoms but can lead to behavior, mood, and functioning changes.
“It’s a Sign of Weakness”
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. There is no shame in taking care of yourself and seeking professional support. Remember, there is nothing wrong with understanding your limits and knowing when you need help. This decision shows you are strong enough to take charge of your life.
“I Can Handle It on My Own”
You don’t have to go through it alone if you feel overwhelmed by mental health issues. Support from friends and family can help, so it’s okay to ask for help. Also, seeking professional support can be more helpful for managing mental health struggles; it is a brave choice, not a sign of weakness.
“Mental Illness Only Affects Certain People”
Mental illness does not discriminate based on age, gender, ethnicity, or other identities; it can affect anyone at any time. You are not immune to the possibility of developing a mental illness, so be mindful of how you take care of yourself.
“Medication Will Fix My Problems”
While medication can help manage symptoms, it’s not a cure-all solution. You should take medication alongside therapy and lifestyle changes to get the full benefits.
“I Don’t Have a Mental Health Issue”
It can be challenging to recognize when you’re struggling with mental health issues, especially if they’re not severe enough to cause significant disruptions in your life. Pay attention to signs that something may be off, be honest about your feelings, and report to your doctor. With this, you will help you get the care and support that you need.
“I Can Just Push Through It”
Mental health issues should never be ignored or dismissed with the assumption that they will eventually go away. Avoiding and ignoring the problem is not a practical solution; address the problem head-on to ensure your mental health needs are met. Explain how you’re feeling to your family or doctor so that you can get help.
“No One Understands What This Is Like”
No one may know what you’re going through, but that doesn’t mean no one understands. There are many people out there who have experienced the same struggles that you have. Seeking a shoulder to lean on can help you get through tough times, so don’t be afraid to reach out and find someone who has gone through a similar experience.
“No One Can Help Me”
It’s a common misconception that no one can help you with mental health issues. The truth is that many professional treatments and resources are available to help you manage your mental health. Whether it is counseling, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of all three, there is help out there.
“If I Were Holier, I Wouldn’t Have a Mental Illness”
Mental illness has nothing to do with your religious beliefs; you can have a mental health problem regardless of your faith. Mental illness is a medical condition and should be treated as such.
“I’m Just Really Busy”
We all get busy sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your mental health. It is essential to acknowledge how you are feeling and take the necessary steps to care for your mental health. It is okay to admit that you are struggling, even if you are busy. Taking care of your mental health should always be your priority.
“I’m Just Having Trouble Sleeping”
Sleeping issues are often one of the most visible signs of mental health struggles. If you are having trouble sleeping, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. Therapy can help you manage your sleeping issues and any other underlying mental health issues.
“I Don’t Just Like to Socialize”
Avoiding social situations to hide your mental health struggles is not a good idea. Socializing is an important part of maintaining emotional well-being. Even if you are an introvert, being around people and engaging in meaningful relationships is essential. Social contact helps you stay connected to the world and improve your mental health.
“I Guess I Became an Introvert”
This statement implies that being an introvert is a choice when it is not. Being an introvert is not necessarily a bad thing. However, know that mental health struggles can often create an illusion of a sudden personality change. Admit to your struggles; there is help out there for you to overcome them.
“I Hate Myself”
Self-hatred is a common symptom of mental health issues. Mental health issues can distort the way you think about yourself and make it difficult to see your worth. Despite your struggles, remember that your worth does not decrease because of them. You are loved, and you are worthy of love. Seek help to start the healing process and remember that you can get through this.
“Everything Must Be Okay for Me to Feel Better”
Not everything will be okay all at once. Mental health issues can be long-term and require time to heal. Take it one step at a time, and focus on small wins along the way. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better right away. Reach out for help and support to start your journey to better mental health.
“Their Success Is My Failure”
This false statement implies that someone else’s success is directly linked to your failure. You have a unique path to success and failure and are not linked to others. Rather than comparing yourself to anyone, acknowledge your skills and hard work and celebrate yourself for them.
“If I Had a Significant Other, I Would Be Happy”
A significant other does not guarantee happiness. Please do not depend on anyone else for your happiness, no matter how important they are to you, because happiness comes from within, and taking care of yourself should be your priority.
Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their relationship status. A supportive relationship can help, but it is not enough to fix underlying mental health issues.
“Every Body Has It All Together Except Me”
Nobody has it all together. Everyone faces their struggles in life, and no one is exempt from mental health issues. You have a unique journey; don’t compare your life to others and don’t belittle yourself for where you are in comparison. Love yourself, be kind to yourself, and know that you have the power to make a positive change.
“If I Say No, I’m a Wicked Person”
Saying no does not make you a bad person. It is perfectly normal to say no if something does not align with your values or doesn’t benefit you. Don’t believe this lie as it can contribute negatively to your mental health struggles through the overwhelming burden of always saying yes even when you don’t want to.
“If I Fix This One Thing, Life Will Always Be Good”
This falsehood suggests life will never have difficulties if you “fix” one thing. Life is filled with ups and downs, and it is important to know that the struggles you face now may not always be there. Rather than focusing on fixing one thing, focus on taking care of your mental health and accepting the struggles life throws at you.
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This article was produced on Health Makes You.