Mythbusting Mental Health
This is part of a helpful series of weekly articles and stories on Mental Wellbeing presented by Suzie Baird and Tricia Hendry to help the Church build our knowledge, understanding, and skills to strengthen our communities.
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There have been some big old myths about mental illness around for a long time. If we believe them we’ll be misunderstanding a lot. Stigma (shaming and avoiding) thrives on misunderstanding. Many living with a mental health condition tell stories of stigma and discrimination from others, even in churches. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen in our own church communities. Let’s learn what’s true and what’s not. When we know better, we can do better.
Firstly, not one cause of mental illness or disorder can be found. People’s brains change in ways that affect how they think, feel, or act. Scientists agree that research points to there being a unique combination of biochemical, psychological, and environmental factors in the mix for each affected person. There are over 200 different types of mental illness or disorder, and researchers are learning more about them all the time. Now let’s bust some common myths.
Myth #1: Mental illness only affects a few people.
Well, no. Research shows that mental illness affects many New Zealanders. Just under 50% of us will experience mental illness or addiction at some point in our lives, with 1 in 5 of us affected within any one year. Mental illnesses don’t discriminate. If you don’t experience a mental illness yourself, it’s very likely a family or whānau member, friend, neighbour, church member, or co-worker will.
Myth #2: Mental illness is caused by a weak character – people can snap out of it if they really want to.
Hmmm, we don’t say this about a person with a serious physical illness do we? All kinds of biological, social, environmental, or genetic factors can potentially influence whether a person develops an illness – physical or mental. No one chooses to become mentally unwell. They can no more readily “snap out of it” than a person can snap out of kidney disease, cancer, or heart failure. Sadly, this myth has stopped too many people from getting the help they need to get well.
Myth #3: People with mental illness are dangerous and violent.
Those living with a mental illness are rarely violent or dangerous. They are much more likely to harm themselves than someone else, or be victims of others’ violence towards them. Violence usually only happens if the person isn’t having the treatment or medication they need, or if they’re using drugs or alcohol.
Myth #4: People with mental illness never get better.
Today a wide range of proven treatments, services, and support options are available, with more being developed. With the right kind of tailored help and support, most people become more well and can lead healthy, purposeful, enjoyable lives. Some won’t experience any further times of mental distress, while others might have to learn to manage their condition, just like someone with an ongoing physical condition does.
Myth #5: A mentally unwell person can’t be relied on.
A mentally unwell person is as likely to be as reliably involved with their home life, work life, and community as anyone else. They can learn skills for managing stress, problem-solving, and looking after themselves. Of course, like for anyone, there’ll be good days and bad days. A person’s ability to do some things might be affected on a bad day and they’ll probably get frustrated they’re not living life how they want to. When they get understanding and support from others, becoming well again is made a lot more possible.
Myth #6: Young people can’t get a real mental illness like adults do.
Yes, they can. In fact, many mental illnesses first appear when a person is young, but they can often look different to how they look for adults. Mental distress can negatively affect how a young person builds up confidence, gets on with others, learns, or builds life skills. Without good support their mental unwellness can lead to tough challenges in the future.
Myth #7: Addiction is a choice – an addict can say no, any time they want to.
No one ever chooses to become addicted to drugs or alcohol, or any other addictive activity, like gambling or pornography. An addict can find their brain chemistry changes, their thinking gets distorted, their body and health suffers, relationships get ruined, and functioning ‘normally’ in life and work becomes impossible. Their mind and body develops a compulsive need for a substance or activity that’s beyond their control. Withdrawal can be extreme. Once hooked, a person cannot ‘just say no to it’ – however much they want to.
Myth #8: Someone with mental illness doesn’t have enough faith.
Physical or mental illness doesn’t happen because a person lacks faith. As Hebrews 11:1, says “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.” So, when we are mentally distressed, we can still have faith at the same time. God draws near to people as they are, even when they’re in mental pain, and He doesn’t back away. “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Ps 34:18.
Jesus calls us to be light bearers, not stigma bearers
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world….Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep an open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16 (Message version)
Together, let’s bust myths about mental illness whenever and wherever we hear them.
By Tricia Hendry
Questions for Reflection
1. Which of these myths might be doing the most damage in our church life together and why?
2. How can I help to myth-bust when I hear people say these kinds of unhelpful and incorrect statements?
3. What would I say to someone who said one of these things and ended with, ‘Well, that’s just my personal opinion’?
If you, a member of your whānau, or a friend are experiencing mental distress, please contact a GP for further mental health support and referrals. You can text or call 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor 24/7. In an emergency, please contact your local mental health crisis team or nearest Emergency Department. In a life-threatening situation call 111.
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Suzie Baird is a mental health advocate. She has lived experience of mental distress that helps her to support others and educate those wanting to understand more. She attends Lyall Bay Community Church, an Anglican pioneer mission unit.
Tricia Hendry is a writer and educator specialising in issues relating the mental health and resilience. She has many years’ experience supporting others through mental health and trauma challenges. She attends All Saints, Hataitai.
