World Mental Health Day: Experts bust myths

World Mental Health Day 2023 presents an opportunity for individuals and communities to rally behind the central theme that Mental Health is an Inherent Human Right. This occasion aims to enhance awareness, knowledge, and the pursuit of actions that bolster and safeguard the mental well-being of every individual as an unequivocal human entitlement.

The right to mental health is a fundamental human prerogative, extending to all members of society regardless of their identity or location. It encompasses the entitlement to protection against mental health risks, the availability of accessible, acceptable, and high-quality care, as well as the right to liberty, independence, and inclusion within the community.

According to the World Health Organization, maintaining good mental health is essential for overall health and well-being. Nevertheless, one in eight people worldwide grapples with mental health conditions, which can adversely affect their physical health, general well-being, interpersonal connections, and livelihoods. There is an escalating incidence of mental health conditions among adolescents and young individuals as well.

According to Ravina Nimbolkar, PGT Psychology and school counselor at Apeejay School, Kharghar, there are a few myths that exist. First, mental health disorders do not exist. All our emotions, behaviours experiences are biological in nature. Just like a fever is a sign of changes in our body and we take care of ourselves, changes in mental health also indicate that our body is experiencing changes and we need to take care of ourselves,” Nimbolkar said.

Another myth is that we should not let emotions affect us, we should always be strong. Emotions are not bad, they are not harmful, rather they have helped human beings evolve into the smartest species alive, she opined.

“Even emotions like sadness, anger, and jealousy have an adaptive reason. Yes, we can learn to express our emotions healthily, but it is not wrong to experience and express emotions. We can be strong when needed and face our challenges, but there is also strength in experiencing our failures, crying out, accepting our emotions, and then moving beyond them,” Nimbolkar shared and added that people believe that mental health is a new-age trend.

“The truth is that mental health is not new, people are open to talk and have more platforms to speak about it. Historically in India, Mental health has always been talked about in our scriptures, ideas of mind, existence, and phases of life are some of the examples,” Nimbolkar said.

Concurred, Dr Sanjay Chugh, a neuropsychiatrist in Delhi. There are many myths and misconceptions about psychiatry and mental health that exist even today, he said, and added that the first misconception is that only “mad” people seek help from a psychiatrist.

“I’ve been in this profession for about 40 years, and I’ve often heard this belief. However, the truth is quite different. Psychiatric disorders are as medical in nature as any other disease like hypertension, diabetes, infections, or cancer. So, dismissing psychiatry as only for “mad” people is completely incorrect,” Dr Chugh said.

The second myth that he encountered was when he decided to pursue his MD in psychiatry after completing his MBBS. “I was told that only “crazy” people visit a psychiatrist. Moreover, even psychiatrists themselves are “crazy.” This is something that I have heard in my professional as well as social circle hundreds of times. However, this is another baseless belief. Psychiatrists are just like any other non-psychiatrist doctor and normal average human being.

“The third misconception is that psychiatric medications are all addictive, and once you start them, you can never stop. This is entirely untrue. These medications are non-addictive, and following your doctor’s advice can lead to complete recovery, at which point you can gradually discontinue the medication. In comparison, many chronic medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes require lifelong medication without the same concerns about addiction,” Dr Chugh explained.

Another common misconception is that psychiatric illnesses are untreatable and people never get better. In reality, psychiatric illnesses respond well to medical treatment, often as effective as or even better than many other serious medical conditions.

“Some believe that psychiatrists primarily use electric shock therapy as a treatment. This is something that even some non-psychiatric doctors believe. This is far from correct. I have not administered electric shock (Electroconvulsive {ECT} therapy) in at least 25 years. This is because psychiatric treatments include various other modalities like medication and psychotherapy, all of which can be highly effective in improving a patient’s condition,” Dr Chugh said in conclusion.