History of Mental Health by Brittney Truong
There were many concerns of mental health where Dr. J.B. Gray, an eminent psychiatrist, addressed the unsanitary conditions after the civil war. He wanted to build a community based mental hygiene that allows education, social culture, religion, and other involvements to prosper. Issac Ray, founder of American Psychiatric Association explains how mental hygiene can be defined as “ the art of preserving the mind against all incidents and influences calculated to deteriorate its qualities, impair its energies, or derange its movements.”
Influential figures like J.B Gray, Issac Ray, and Adolph Meyer promoted the concept of mental hygiene where they emphasized the idea of education, social culture, religion, and community involvement to maintain good mental health. There was criticism for the mental hygiene movement because it generally focused on sociological factors than biological causes of mental illness. Therefore, Johns Hopkins University in 1934 created different studies to gather data on the prevalence of mental illness and researched on the interactions between biological factors and environmental factors that may contribute to mental disorders.
On the other hand, in European medical tradition trephining is used to treat head injuries, epilepsy and mental illness. Trephining started by a famous Greek clinician, Aretaeus the Cappadocian, where he recommended opening skulls for patients who had epilepsy because he believed that “ the humors and air may go out and evaporate”. In 1652, Robert Burton also advocated for creating cranial holes for patients who were “mad”. This practice can also be seen in Africa where people in Libya cauterize the heads of their children believing that it could prevent them from potential diseases in their afterlife.
In addition, trephining was believed to relieve headache due to head injuries. However, during the surgery anesthesia is not used but a form of restraint is used to stabilize the patient. To create a hole in the skull, the surgeon would use a sharp knife with a curved tip to scrape to prevent injuring the dura layer. It was also believed to let out evil spirits that are causing the headaches.
Myth or Fact by Phoenyx Greicius
Myths about mental health only fuel the stigma against people with mental illnesses (APA, n.d.). This stigma may be internalized among individuals with mental illnesses, potentially resulting in lower self-esteem and not seeking out treatment. The impact of this stigma can even be broader, such as having less job, education, social, and housing opportunities. Given the severity of these consequences, it’s important to critically examine the misconceptions underlying and perpetuating this stigma and discrimination.
Here are some common myths about people with mental illness:
Myth: People with mental illness are violent.
Fact: The majority of people diagnosed with mental health conditions aren’t any more likely to be violent or dangerous than those without mental health conditions, with only 3-5% of violent crimes being perpetrated by individuals with severe mental illnesses (SAMHSA, n.d.) In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are ten times more likely to be the victims of violent crimes compared to the rest of the population. Images of people with mental illnesses being violent and dangerous are common in the media, such as popular films like Joker (2019), and can even make viewers feel more prejudiced against people with mental illnesses (APA, n.d.). In these cases, it’s important to be able to spot when these stereotypes are being used and remember the actual statistics.
Myth: Mental illness reflects personality or character flaws
Fact: It’s a common misconception that people with mental illnesses are weak or lazy (SAMHSA, n.d.). In reality, seeking out and accepting mental health treatment is a sign of strength and bravery, not weakness (UNICEF, n.d.) On top of that, mental health is affected by a variety of factors, none of which are personality or character flaws. What actually influences a person’s mental health includes biology, life experiences, and whether someone has a family history of mental illness.
Myth: Nothing can be done to prevent mental illness.
Fact: It’s important to note that one environmental or personal stressor won’t always result in a mental health condition and etiology depends on the individual (UNICEF, n.d.). With that being said, there are so ways to address risk factors for mental illness and promote mental well-being (SAMHSA, n.d.). This includes working on social and emotional skills, being able to access resources early on, fostering family relationships, improving school environments, and getting enough sleep (UNICEF, n.d.). Loved ones can also help out, such as by using respectful language and avoiding harmful labels (e.g., “crazy”), and making themselves available for help and support.
Myth: Psychiatric Medications are bad
Fact: In addition to the harmful misconception that nothing can be done to prevent mental illness, there is the misguided belief that medication for mental health conditions is bad for its users (Ross, 2019). However, just like any physical illness, like diabetes or heart disease, medications can be used to treat mental illness. In some cases, medication is necessary for survival. In more moderate cases, medication can help relieve some of the symptoms of their mental illness, including depression and anxiety. Overall, psychiatric medications serve to improve the lives of their users, especially when used along with psychotherapy, and should not be looked down upon.
Common Misconceptions about Mental Health by Aveen Pouranpir and Christina Dinh
Common misconceptions about mental health continue to persist, often hindering understanding and progress. One prevalent misconception is that therapy is only for individuals with severe mental illnesses. In reality, therapy is beneficial for anyone experiencing emotional distress, providing support, coping strategies, and personal growth. Another misconception is that mental health issues are simply a result of personal weakness or lack of willpower. Mental health disorders are complex and can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. It is also important to debunk the belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness; reaching out for support is a brave and proactive step towards well-being.
Mental health has thus been long misunderstood and it is necessary to clarify and bust all the myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health. By noting what are the pertinent mental health misconceptions, stigma can be reduced and a culture of understanding of and openness to mental health ailments can be promoted.
Here are some more common misconceptions about mental health and their explanations for why they are misconceptions as highlighted by UNICEF.org and Banyan Mental Health:
A mental health condition signifies that the person has a lower intelligence or Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
This is a misconception because like physical illness, mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of the age, gender, socioeconomic status, intelligence level, etc.
You should only take care of your mental health if you already have a mental health condition to begin with.
This is a misconception because wellness and well-being should be integral to everyday life, regardless of one’s mental health condition and status. Self-care and taking care of your mental health can allow for a more fruitful life as everyone deserves to treat themselves.
All teenagers have mood-swings due to hormonal fluctuations and personality changes, not because of poor mental health.
This is a misconception because 14% of the world’s adolescents experience mental health ailments and this number is only rising. Just because hormones and societal placements are things that characterize adolescence does not mean that mental health should be brushed aside for teenagers. In fact, half of mental health conditions do have a teenage-age onset, of 14 years old.
Adolescents and those who get good grades and excel socially and in school are less likely to suffer from mental health conditions.
This is definitely a misconception. Depression, for example, deals with the interacting factors of social, psychological, and biological features. If an adolescent or individual seems okay on the outside, it is still hard to determine the inner workings of their mind and how they are truly functioning and feeling. Depression, as an example, can affect everyone, regardless of how they are currently holding up and functioning. Anxiety and depression can also come without an easily identified cause among adolescents especially.
All those with mental health conditions are crazy
This misconception feeds into the stigma surrounding mental health. This signifies that those with mental health and mental health conditions in general are uncontrollable and unpredictable. However, mental health conditions fall on a spectrum, from mild to severe and some mental health conditions are not always constant. This misconception is often associated with mental health conditions that deal with hallucinations such as Schizophrenia but there are actually a vast variety of mental health conditions which have various symptoms.
Mental health conditions are rare
Mental health conditions are in fact very common. While some mental health conditions such as Schizophrenia are more rare, with about less than 1% of those in the United States, Anxiety has increasing numbers with 18.1% of adults experiencing anxiety and anxiety-related disorders every year in the United States.
Those with mental health conditions cannot function socially
A common misconception is that mental health conditions lead to improper social functioning. However, many individuals experiencing mental health conditions still function well, having jobs and families but still experiencing mental health conditions.
You cannot get better if you have a mental health condition
It is often signified that if one has a mental health condition, it and its adverse effects are lifelong. However, while mental health conditions can be chronic such as bipolar disorder, with treatment, individuals can better make due with their symptoms and in turn, get more in control of themselves and their conditions and get better even if they still have the mental health condition - they better cope with their symptoms. Some of those with proper treatments may lead to overall overcoming the disorder.
Theoretical Reasonings of Mental Illness by Chloe Ford and Christina Dinh
A myth that some believe in is that mental illness results from a “weak” character or a feeble mind. However, mental illness can actually stem from numerous sources: Biological, Evolutionary, Social, Physical and much more. All of which can intersect and overlap resulting in poor mental health.
One reason that could potentially increase likelihood of mental illness would be for social reasons. This may mean experiencing some form of trauma during childhood or a bad home life. These types of experiences can be referred to as adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). For example:
experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect
witnessing violence in the home or community
having a family member attempt or die by suicide
Also included are aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding, such as growing up in a household with:
substance use problems
mental health problems
instability due to parental separation or household members being in jail or prison
(CDC) Another social reason that can lead to developing a mental illness would be things that are a part of one’s identity. Moreover, “they include factors like socioeconomic status, education, the physical environment, employment, and social support networks, as well as access to healthcare. Typically, issues that go well beyond the scope of the traditional health care” (Hogg). All of these intersect together to create a unique experience for that person–of which can mean they experience forms of stigmatization and discrimination. These can cause major stress in someone’s life.
Biologically speaking, genetics can play a role in the onset of mental health conditions. Mental health conditions are in fact linked with gene abnormalities. As such, mental health conditions can run in one’s family. Those with a family member who has a mental health condition is more likely to also have a mental health condition. However, it is still necessary to remember that genetics are not final determinants. The environment also plays a role and affects whether genes are expressed or not, especially genes that deal with mental health conditions. Stress, abuse, and trauma can all play a role among other environmental factors on whether a mental health condition will occur if the person already has an inherited gene susceptibility to it.
Infections can also play a role in whether mental health conditions occur. Infections that lead to brain damage in particular such as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDAS), has been linked to mental health conditions present in children such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Accordingly, brain defects and injuries can also play a role. If brain injury occurs to the parts of the brain such as the amygdala which is associated with mental health conditions, there can be the likelihood and the link to a mental health condition. For example, prenatal damage to early fetal brain development being tampered with such as a loss of oxygen to the brain, has been linked to the likelihood that the child will experience autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Poor nutrition prenatally and exposure to toxins like lead and asbestos can thus also play a role in the likelihood of mental health conditions due to being in a disadvantaged prenatal environment.
Evolutionary speaking, there have been studies on natural selection and mental health conditions. Because certain mood and personality disorders helped ancestors back then, they are still present today as are other past advantageous traits. Depression, for example, has been examined by Dr. Randolph Nesse, as being helpful to our ancestors and this is why depression still exists in modern day. He states that when an organism such as a human being is not able to make progress during a pursuit of a goal, it proved more advantageous for our ancestors to wait and take time pursuing the goal instead of dispensing energy. If this still does not help with the goal pursuit, giving up the goal is then key. He thus believes that a low mood helped our ancestors and it persists to modern day. Another component of evolutionary causes is this sense of an evolutionary-mismatch in which a modern environment brings forth mental health conditions as it does not mix well with the evolutionary traits passed down from one’s ancestors, especially considering health and wellbeing were not the focus of evolutionary trait heritage but rather whether one can produce offspring.
Nonetheless, it is essential to remember that there is a difference between causes and risk factors. Risk factors such as history of mental illness, a chronic condition like heart disease, the use of recreational drugs and alcohol, etc. can increase the risk for developing a mental health condition.
REFERENCES
APA. (n.d.). Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination
Busted: 7 myths about mental health. (n.d). UNICEF.
Causes of mental illness. (2023). WebMd.
CDC. (n.d.). Fast Facts: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Mental illness 一Symptoms. (2022). MayoClinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
“Origins of Mental Health.” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/mental-health/about/origins-of-mental-health. Accessed 1 June 2023.
Ross, S. L. (2019, October 1). Six Myths and Facts about Mental Illness | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2019/Six-Myths-and-Facts-about-Mental-Illness
SAMHSA. (n.d.). Mental Health Myths and Facts. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/myths-and-facts
Smith, D.G. (2019). Susceptibility to mental illness may have helped humans adapt over the millennia. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/susceptibility-to-mental-illness-may-have-helped-humans-adapt-over-the-millennia/
The biggest misconceptions about mental illness. (n.d). Banyan Treatment Centers.
The MIT Press Reader. “A Hole in the Head: A Complete History of Trepanation.” The MIT Press Reader, 11 June 2021, thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/hole-in-the-head-trepanation/.
UNICEF. (n.d.). Busted: 7 myths about mental health. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/busted-7-myths-about-mental-health
Hogg Foundation For Health. (2018). 3 Things to Know: Social Determinants of (Mental) Health. https://hogg.utexas.edu/3-things-to-know-social-determinants-of-mental-health
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