The Myths About Mental Health
Mental Health is a big word these days! It has taken the spread of violence in small town America, a world pandemic, and a nation constantly ducking from internal stone throwing, for the idea of mental health to be taken seriously.
We see the intensity of issues invading our homes. The clamor for counselors is greater than the availability. Too many of us are overwhelmed by life, careers and relationships and we are struggling to find balance with all life throws our way.
Despite this increase in awareness and need for mental health counseling, there are still barriers that keep people from accessing mental health support. Stigma continues to play a role in blocking individuals and families from reaching out. I often hear things such as “I don’t need to tell a stranger my problems,” “I can do it on my own,” “I don’t want people to think I’m weak or crazy,” or “if I agree to counseling, I’ll be admitting there is something wrong with me.”
Even in 2023 there remains a disproportionate number of people who hold on to the myths of mental health and do not fully embrace the concept of counseling. Mental health supports our emotional well-being and helps us navigate the relationships around us. It can provide us tools to cope with stress and help us learn to set healthy boundaries at work and at home.
Do you have myths about mental health counseling? I wonder if you would agree with any of the myths listed below:
Myth: If I try hard enough, I can deal with this issue on my own and it will go away.
Fact: Mental health struggles cannot be “willed away.” There are several factors that contribute to our mental health and having someone help us identify and treat the root causes gives us a far better chance of managing it in healthy and less destructive ways.
Myth: Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness.
Fact: Seeking counseling is a way to proactively manage life issues that come at us. It takes courage to reach out and seek additional tools to remain engaged in all we have going on in our lives. Accessing professional resources adds greater stability for success in all we do.
Myth: Counselors will try to put me on medication.
Fact: Counselors provide appropriate counseling and do not prescribe medications. Counselors may collaborate with medical professionals such as Primary Care Physicians or Psychiatrists who CAN prescribe medications, however the counselor only specializes in the psychological aspects of mental health and provides insight into this area when collaborating.
Myth: Counseling is a quick fix to all my problems. Just seeing a counselor will make my problems go away.
Fact: There are no quick fixes when it comes to mental health. Strengthening our brain through counseling is like strengthening our body through exercise. It takes time, patience, practice, and persistence. Counseling is an investment in ourselves and in making the shifts needed to bring positive change in areas of our lives that may be weighing us down.
Myth: Counselors just listen to people vent. Why would I pay someone to do that?
Fact: Counselors do indeed listen well as a part of getting to know a client. They go beyond that to offer objective insight, tools, and techniques for approaching and coping with the concerns discussed.
Myth: All counseling is the same.
Fact: It is not uncommon for people to try one type of counseling and when it doesn’t suit their needs, to assume that all counseling is ineffective. Going to counseling is a big decision, and when it doesn’t work, it is frustrating. It can be hard to try again. However, there are many different approaches to counseling and doing some research to find a therapist who can work with a particular concern can make all the difference. Communicating goals for counseling is another great way to ensure that the client and counselor are on the same page.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our goal at New Hope Counseling Center is to take the mystery out of therapy and to be a vehicle to provide hope and restoration. If you wish to learn more about what counseling might look like for you, check out our website at https://www.newhopeministry.info/.