3 Most Commonly Misunderstood Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues are a major cause of concern in society today. Recently, the debate about mental issues has reached a crescendo never witnessed before, especially in the aftermath of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. Being a covert health concern that many times stays invisible, mental health issues remain undetected for a long time, even by those who suffer from different forms of it. Akin to all other medical problems, mental health issues left unaddressed will cascade downwards and suddenly erupt in chaotic expressions.
Suicide, manic behavior, isolation, and hallucinations seem to be the most common chaotic eruptions of mental health problems; yet, we know based on research and study that these are only a tiny fraction of what mental health issues look like. It is important to understand mental health in order to detect it. Also critical is to understand those suffering from it and apply the right control or support measures. Here are the most misunderstood forms of mental health issues:
1. Anxiety attacks
Most people did not recognize anxiety as a mental health concern until recently. Its subtle symptoms allow it to co-exist ‘peacefully’ with its victim, who is able to lead a seemingly normal life as they find ways to cope. Anxiety has been clustered as worry or simple restlessness, but research shows that anxiety can be debilitating for some people and should be handled medically.
Seeing a clinical psychologist is helpful because they can write prescriptions, such as anxiety-specific antidepressants. It is important to understand that anxiety is a general term, and not all people with anxiety suffer from the same kind of disorder.
2. Paranoia
This manifests as a feeling of extreme insecurity, distrust of people or the environment. Before it becomes extreme, paranoid people are misunderstood. Sometimes they are thought to be overly cautious or careful, or not easily trusting.
People with paranoia report feeling targeted 24 hours a day and feeling the need to protect themselves and others from perceived harm. This fear of harm is usually unfounded and directed at people who live in close contact with the paranoid person. Sometimes it escalates into full-blown delusions where the paranoid person begins to ‘make up’ stories and present them as real-life occurrences.
This makes it extremely difficult to maintain healthy relationships, especially because loved ones tend to get hurt by the constant distrust and suspicion. Paranoia makes it difficult for people to function well socially, making them isolate themselves from others. A lack of understanding of paranoia as a mental health concern leaves the victim misunderstood and left alone to deal.
3. Diogenes Syndrome
“Normal” is what most of us think our hoarding habits are. As it turns out, hoarding excessively has a name. It’s called Diogenes Syndrome and is actually a mental health concern. Talk about being misunderstood! The compulsive storing of items that should be thrown out or are faulty and unable to be used is the main feature of this syndrome. Remember your grandma’s stash.
In more serious cases, people suffer from social withdrawal, a lack of shame, and apathy. It is best to seek help from a psychotherapist as soon as anyone mentions your hoarding habit is becoming an issue of concern.
Conclusion
Treating mental health conditions appropriately requires an understanding of the psychology behind general human behavior. Having a basic understanding of the common mental health issues means that people can get proper assistance long before things get out of hand. Knowing where to find help is just as important as understanding mental health, if not more. Click here to continue.
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