Mental Illness (2)

Things are not what they seem.

Last week,

We tackled the concept of mental illness and how it is just as normal as physical illness. You and I also discovered that having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of as there will always be a way out.

This week,

It is imperative to talk about all the things we have heard about mental illness. Is there some form of truth in it? Or have we been living a lie that is now harming the population of people living with mental illness?

What are stereotypes?

They are widely held and somewhat simplistic beliefs that a general population has about a certain group of people.

Did you know there are certain popular beliefs about mental illness that are partly false or completely untrue? Read on and let’s find out!

If I have a family history of mental illness then I’m bound to have a mental illness.

Not true. Two main factors come to play in the development of a mental illness. The hereditary characteristics (genes) and the environment. With this in mind, it is possible to slow down the onset of a mental illness by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeing a mental healthcare professional when necessary. Also, the illness being a recessive or dominant gene is a defining factor.

Mental illnesses do not affect children.

False. Data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) show that in 2019, 77 million girls and 89 million boys are dealing with one form of a mental ailment or the other.

People with mental illnesses are dangerous and can never get better.

Dangerously false. Many people living with mental health conditions are not a danger to themselves or their neighbours. In the event of aggressive or harmful behaviour, treatments exist to calm the behaviour and subsequently manage the situation.

In addition, while some mental illnesses can go away (with or without treatment), others may need managing. However, in the long run, people with mental illnesses can live happy and fulfilling lives.

Well, well, well…

A lot has been said today, which leaves room for reflection and necessary actions. Think about all the beliefs that you have about mental health disorders, are they all true. If unsure, please engage in some reading or speak to a mental health professional. Please send us an email: info@anep.com.ng

Don’t forget to share this with your family, friends and colleagues.

See you soon,

Ewoma Omoghene