Coping with Mental Illness
How can I help myself and others?
Living with mental illness is not easy. It’s a consistent problem without a clear solution. While treatments like medication and psychotherapy are incredibly helpful, sometimes people experiencing mental health conditions need to do more day-in and day-out to feel good or even just okay.
Unfortunately, we still not yet found a method to prevent or deal with mental health issues once and for all. The world, despite the rapid technological development, still remains in Stone Age when it comes to psychiatry. What can us, as individuals, do to help one another then?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
With the "shame" and "embarrassment" associated to mental health conditions, the voices of the patients are sometimes not heard. So they hide, presenting the best self while keeping the concerns as secrets. This may make you wonder. "Everyone else seems to live a happy and content life. Why me?"
​
But over 50% of people experience one mental health problem in their lifetime. Thus, don't hide! Your voice makes a difference.
​
The pressure may be immense. The symptoms may be painful. The treatment may be time-consuming. But we will get there. You are not alone. We are in this together. You will return to the normal self and carry out daily routines as usual; so repetitive that you would perhaps be fed up with it. Because we knew you will.
You are A LOT stronger than you thought.
Fact Check: Misconceptions when Coping.
Does your brain need some updates for unbiased perspectives?
Misconception 1: People with Mental Health Problems are Violent
People with mental health issues are non-violent. They are, like the rest of the people, humans who want love and support. In severe cases, there could be violence. It was found in research that criminals who are involved in robberies or shooting are patients of mental illness. But the main reason for these kinds of crimes is poverty, unemployment, or the use of drugs. Having mental health conditions doesn’t mean that the person is going to be radical. Similarly, not having mental health conditions does not mean that the person won’t pose a threat to society. We shouldn’t categories people just based on how they behave or what they are going through. Instead, a thorough understanding is needed.
Misconception 2: Children or Teens don't have Mental Health Problems
It is not children and teens do not have mental health conditions, but that their voices are not heard. Often, their mental health is ignored, which is not a good practice. Children can show a warning and alarming signs of mental illness at a very young age, which are clinical and diagnosable. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to their child’s behaviour if it is changed or abnormal. So, they can get treatment and be directed to the right path or receive appropriate education.
Misconception 6: People With Mental Illness Can’t Be Consistent With Their Positions in Society
Misconception 3: Mental Health Problems are Permanent
People have a misconception that mental health problems are permanent, which is not valid. Patients of mental illness can be cured. Treatments help. And they work. There are several numbers of treatments for mental illness. If a patient takes proper medications according to the doctor’s prescription, they can get a speedy recovery. These treatments include medicines, therapies, and most importantly, a support system for the patient from both his/her family and friends, much needed for a patient.
Misconception 4: Mental Health Treatments – Medications, in particular – are Harmful
For the patients, they need to know that every illness requires treatment in the form of medicines. So does mental illness. And they do help. Studies suggest that patients who take medication and therapy simultaneously recover faster and can carry out normal routines.
​
Though the over-dependence of medical drugs may lead to substance addiction, it is better to have some than nothing. Medicines used for mental health went through rigid procedures to make sure it does not leave any side effects on the patients. Besides, your primary doctor knows your conditions, know how your body feels from an objective viewpoint, and know when you feel better. As time moves on and your symptoms lift, the doctor would decrease the dose so that no withdrawal symptoms would occur. So, don't hesitate to get help!
​
For the family, they need to learn the disorders and know that the only way for their loved ones to recover (return to each and every funny, lovely Jane and John) from the nightmares is to seek professional support. By delaying the decision-making process or attempting to convince them to self-recover, you might be hindering their rights to change their lives and get back on track.
Misconception 5: Mental Health Patients are Weak
It is difficult to understand why people think that mental health patients are weak. It is assumed that they have fragile mental health. Mental health is to do nothing with mental strength. YOU have problems yourself if you ever think others are not as good. Seeing the positive elements in everyone is crucial for healthy relationships.
​
According to Merriam-Webster, a respected dictionary around since 1828, mental health is being defined as 'the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterised by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands of daily life' Mental strength, on the other hand, is mental toughness that requires training.
This is not true in any sense.
Mental health patients face difficulties from different aspect of life, depending on the severity and the type of disorder. Nonetheless, they are still capable of completing a school project for a course or presenting new, creative ideas in workplace. Even when the symptoms are driving them crazy! We should appreciate those who are doing a job, committing to study while fighting with their mental illness. They are already facing challenges in their lives. They are very committed to their work as they are following their deadlines. Their mental illness may affect their ability to work, but it does not affect their capability.