Myth: Mental health does not affect young children. Young children are generally happy – if they have problems it’s just part of growing up.

Fact: Up to one in five children in the UK have a recognised mental health problem, and many do not receive the treatment they need. Left untreated, these problems can get worse – anyone talking about suicide should be taken very seriously.

Myth: It is a normal part of ageing for old people to be lethargic and to lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. It’s also normal for them to have problems sleeping.

Fact: These are all signs of depression. Depression in the elderly often goes undiagnosed and untreated. The elderly and their families should look out for signs of depression and go to the GP if they are concerned.

Myth: People who have addictions are weak people. They aren’t sick and money shouldn’t be wasted on helping them get ‘well’.

Fact: Over half of all those who abuse alcohol or illegal and/or prescriptive substances have a mental health problem. The most common are depression and anxiety disorders. Drugs and alcohol can be used as a way of dealing with emotional problems – treating the underlying problem can help with the addiction.

Myth: Troubled youth just need more discipline.

Fact: A report by the Prison Reform Trust estimates that nine out of ten people in prison have mental health problems. Over 90% of imprisoned young offenders have at least one, or a combination of, the following: personality disorder, psychosis, neurotic disorder or problems with substance misuse. In addition, over 30% will have spent time in the care system. Nearly 30% of young women in prison report that they have been sexually abused. These troubled young people have a complicated range of needs and require a combination of services to help with their problems. Increasing discipline is not likely to help.

Myth: GP’s spend most of their time treating physical health as this is the most common kind of illness and the most important.

Fact: Depression is the most common reason for visiting a GP. In fact, over 1/5 of all doctors time is taken up with people experiencing mental distress. Mental health is just as important as physical health. The two are inter-connected, not separate. In fact, mental ill health can cause physical symptoms and vice versa.

Myth: Mental illness is a personal problem not a business concern.

Fact: Mental ill health is EVERYBODIES business. Depression is a leading cause of disability in the UK and accounts for a great deal of sickness absence.

Myth: Mental health problems are not real illnesses in the same way that physical illnesses are.

Fact: Brain disorders have been shown to have a genetic and biological cause, in exactly the same way that diabetes and cancer have. There is also evidence that shows they can be treated effectively, through the use of psychological therapies and/or medication for example and that people CAN and DO recover.

Myth: People who experience symptoms of schizophrenia are often unpredictable, dangerous and violent.

Fact: Those individuals who experience symptoms of psychosis are actually more likely to harm themselves than they are to harm other people. The incidence of violence in people experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia is not much higher than in the general population.

   Leave a comment