A group discussing misconceptions about mental illness.
Mental HealthRecovery

Mental illness strikes millions of people each year, causing them to need help they may believe to be difficult to find. Part of the problem involves the misconceptions about mental health that exist. A person can labor under their own false ideas about what is wrong and how to treat it. Additionally, those around them may operate under incorrect assumptions, making it difficult for the person suffering to feel understood. We break down some of the common misconceptions about mental illness and determine the facts about this challenging subject. 

Misconceptions About Mental Illness

With there being many different misconceptions, we have listed some of the most common ones we see regarding mental illness and mental health treatment below.

Mental Illness Only Happens to a Small Number of People

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that as of 2020, nearly one in five U.S. adults deals with a mental illness. That constitutes almost 53 million people. Some of the most common types of mental health disorders include the following:

You Can Always Spot Someone With a Mental Illness

Unlike physical maladies, such as a broken limb or having the flu, most people who deal with a mental health disorder do so without it being obvious to others. They become adept at things such as hiding their depressive feelings or avoiding social situations due to anxiety. They may also be in denial about their situation. Additionally, they can be unaware that what they have is a diagnosable condition that will respond to treatment. 

Medications Are a Crutch

Sadly, many people have misconceptions about the intent and results of using proper medications for mental illness. Meds do not constitute a “crutch”, in that they do not keep a person from truly healing by putting them in a medicated fog. Conversely, the right medication often provides the level playing field a person needs in their mind in order to take full advantage of therapy and other work they do in order to manage their illnesses. 

People’s brains often misfire or have faulty wiring through no fault of their own. FDA-approved medications taken as prescribed can help return the brain to functioning more accurately. This allows the person to enjoy things like less anxiety or depression. This, in turn, gifts them with the ability to live more peaceful lives. As well, while many medications may be lifelong, plenty of them only need to be taken on a temporary basis.

People With a Mental Illness Cannot Live Full Lives

With the proper management of their mental health, most people can live full, meaningful lives. While certain variables factor in, such as what type of mental illness a person has (such as schizophrenia), the overwhelming majority of people who have a mental health challenge still are able to pursue things like career, schooling, family, hobbies, and setting goals for the future. In fact, not getting professional help for mental health disorders proves much more likely to hamper a person’s ability to live their lives to the fullest. 

It’s Hard To Find Effective Treatment 

Previous generations often found it difficult to locate truly useful care for their mental health disorders. Those days are over, as a variety of options for receiving evidence-based, life-changing care that addresses the misconceptions about mental health and teaches people to overcome them currently exist.

In fact, more than one type of treatment is available. Some people respond well to entering a residential program in which they live full-time and work on getting better. As either a follow-up to residential care or as an alternative to it, many people find that outpatient care provides a host of benefits. These types of programs allow the individual to attend sessions during the day or evening while still living at home. 

Types of Treatment for Mental Health in Atlanta, GA

Several approaches to managing mental health exist. Our qualified mental health team can help by providing an assessment that identifies an exact diagnosis of each person’s condition. From there, a plan can be made for what types of therapy will best help the individual make progress in dealing with their symptoms and improving their mental health. 

The hallmark of treatment for mental illness starts with psychotherapy. This process usually includes one-on-one therapy that allows the person to talk candidly and privately with a trained therapist. For many, group therapy becomes an important way to gain insight into their condition with the added benefit of receiving peer support. Family therapy can also provide a major benefit because it brings family members together to learn how best to cope with the challenges of helping a loved one dealing with mental illness. 

Medications can also play a vital part in treating mental illness. Finding out which prescription medication can help a person approach their conditions with renewed confidence. Many medications can reduce or even eliminate uncomfortable symptoms of conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma and give someone a newfound ability to cope with their conditions. At New View Wellness, our psychiatry services in Atlanta can help you get on the right medication. With Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), and Virtual IOP, our staff gives client’s flexible options to best fit their needs.

Get Treatment for Mental Illness in Atlanta, GA

When you know it’s time to make the smart move to getting effective treatment for your mental health, you may not be sure where to turn. New View Wellness in Atlanta can clear up misconceptions about mental illness treatment. Our team can help you learn to manage your symptoms in a way that changes your life. Our multiple types of therapy give you a wide array of choices for how to feel better. Visit our admissions page now and see how simple it is to get started. We make improving your mental health a priority.