One in five people suffer from mental health problems, and it can affect anyone. Cases of common mental disorders are increasing. People of all ages, communities, economic strata and cultures can be affected by mental health problems. We must take mental health seriously and act to understand ways of preventing it, treating it and coping with it. SO, you too can have a mental health problem

People with mental health issues are not always violent, and certainly not due to their mental illness. At most, they are as violent as any ‘normal’ person would be, given the treatment meted out to them. These people are known to be more prone to self-harm. Also, they are harmed by the ‘normal’ people, instead of they causing harm to others. It is the wrong belief that makes us fear people with mental health issues.

The affliction of a mental health illness has nothing to do with the ‘mental strength’ of a person. Our minds are susceptible to environmental, psychological and biological factors. Hence, even if we are mentally very strong as we presume to be we can still suffer from depression or anxiety.

Most mental health problems can be treated provided they are diagnosed and treated early enough and appropriately. Successful recovery also depends on the right kind of support and assistance provided by the caregivers. In other cases, treatment can be provided to mitigate the impact of serious mental disorders so that the person can take better control of their life

Most people with mental illnesses need not be hospitalized. In some cases, they may have to be hospitalized as part of their treatment cycle. However, they do not need to be in hospitals or psychiatric facilities for a long duration or permanently. In fact, a major factor that plays a crucial role in a person’s recovery is the proximity of their caregivers and loved ones. They need the comfort of their homes in order to recover

It is true that mental health has to do with the brain. And, recovery depends on the person’s willingness to take treatment and recover. However, recovery from a mental health problem is not about controlling the mind. There’s much more to it, which includes proper care and treatment. Psychopharmacological approach is used to treat sever mental health patients.

This is perhaps the oldest myth that must be removed from our minds. Nothing can be further from the truth. Mental health issues affect the mind and what happens to the mind has nothing to do with religion or one’s religious beliefs. In fact, blind beliefs in such false myths could worsen a person’s mental illness and could hamper the possibility of their recovery.