Uncovering Your Truth
Debunking Myths about Mental Wellness - Part I
Today, it seems like misinformation is everywhere—and the trend is likely to get worse before it gets better as technology, AI, and the word of the influencer progress rapidly. Mental health discussions have become mainstream as athletes, celebrities, and musicians share the mental health challenges they face.
At first glance, you must be thinking, “Isn’t that a good thing? Don’t we want people to talk about and publicize the importance of mental health and talk about their experiences with individual counseling?” Of course, we do. But we also want them armed with the correct information, not just what they want to hear or what will get the most clicks.
In this world filled with misinformation, LunaJoy wants to set the facts straight. So we are introducing this as the first part of our series on uncovering your truth.
LunaJoy believes this is essential work, as mental health issues need to be taken seriously, and we want to keep those most important to us—you—safe. In the first part of this series, LunaJoy is happy to share valid, evidence-based information (like always!) to debunk myths and misconceptions about mental health.
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
What is Mental Health Misinformation?
Misinformation is false and, most importantly, incorrect information. In the purest definition of the word, it is inaccurate facts sent out into the world with the intention to deceive.
This is why it is so much harder to identify misinformation today—as most people sharing mental health information probably aren't trying to deceive us and are giving disinformation instead. While less malicious, disinformation can still be just as harmful to our mental health. (Stay tuned for a future blog about mental health disinformation on social media).
Impact of Misinformation on Mental Health
In a period where we may be struggling, misinformation and disinformation can be dangerous as they impact our mental well-being, potentially causing increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear, or contributing to an unhelpful mindset.
Those with mental health disorders like phobias, OCD, and panic attacks may experience increased or new symptoms directly related to the amount of content consumed about wellness or being “healthy.”
Those with mental health disorders like phobias, OCD, and panic attacks may experience increased or new symptoms directly related to the amount of content consumed about wellness or being “healthy.”
Misinformation can also influence our memory, which may cause additional distress. Called the misinformation effect—our recall of events and experiences becomes less accurate after hearing misleading information. This occurs as the misleading information overrides original memory, often due to mind data gaps that may have never been filled in when processing the event.
What are some Mental Health Myths?
Either you are mentally healthy & well, or you are not
This sort of black-and-white thinking is not doing anyone any favors. To combat this mental health myth, we should first explore how we view physical health. For example, even those you deem healthy may not always be completely in the clear from all ailments. Even if a person is healthy, they may have excessive cholesterol or joint pain. The same can be true for mental health conditions.
Even when you’ve been diagnosed with something like bipolar disorder or anxiety, you can still maintain good mental health. While some people require comprehensive mental health services to help them find their wellness, it is possible for them to go about their everyday lives like everyone else.
Mental health issues are forever.
A mental health diagnosis is not the end of your life. Everybody has a different experience, and just like a physical diagnosis, a mental health diagnosis means that you need to be a bit more intentional about your health.
Medicine or individual counseling may help some individuals regain their equilibrium, and others may find natural causes or treatments for their mental health challenges. Even after treatment, it is possible for some people to still feel somewhat impaired by a mental disorder. Others might see their symptoms get worse. But the majority of people who seek treatment will improve.
Healing can mean different things to different people. Some might view recovery as a return to how they felt before the onset of symptoms. Others may perceive healing as symptom relief or a return to a satisfying life, regardless of how altered. While it’s true that the status of your mental health may fluctuate over time, the specific issues you’re facing are not guaranteed to last forever.
Only those with significant difficulties should seek mental health care
Everyone has a personal journey with mental health, even if there is no diagnosable mental health illness like depression or anxiety. No online advice can replace care from a qualified care provider for persons who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders. And even if your problems are on the milder end of the range, such as stress or relationship problems, you will likely still benefit from seeking support from a therapist.
No one makes it through their childhood unscathed in one way or another, and unpacking the norms and family rules you had growing up can be a helpful exercise (especially as you look to create a family of your own).
Additionally, there are many strategies to improve your mental health even if counseling isn't the best option for you, including:
Online support communities: Joining an established community online can help you to feel less alone in the challenges you face, and connect with a group of people who are pursuing similar goals in their lives.
Self-care apps: These are self-help resources for independently learning efficient self-care techniques. They are a helpful place to start for those who don't require, aren't interested in, or aren't yet prepared to meet with a professional for care. However, they cannot substitute therapy from a therapist or mental health coach.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Consistent sleep patterns, a balanced diet, frequent exercise, and interactions with loved ones are all examples of healthy lifestyle behaviors that can improve mental well-being.
We know that navigating mental wellness can be challenging, so we look forward to continuing to share more in this series to uncover your truth. If you are looking for a therapist near you, Luna Joy supports clients across the United States. Click your state to get started today!
