Nukshijungla Ao
Associate Professor, College of Nursing, CIHSR
Across the globe, men's Mental Health Month is observed annually in June. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health challenges that men commonly face. This month-long observance aims to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health issues, promote open discussions, and encourage men to seek help.
Since childhood we have been brought up teaching and believing that men are very strong physically, and are not supposed to show emotions, else he is regarded as a weakling. Even when a boy, is found crying we hear our people say, “hey don’t you cry, are you not a boy?’. We say mental illness in common in the west, but a spurt of many under reported and unattended mental illness is on the rise among men as well.
In a Christian state, like Nagaland, we are quick to counsel, to have faith in God, and when misfortune falls, we label the entire family as unbelieving and regarded as a family who sinned against God and hence the punishment. These could be few of the factors where men succumb to extreme stress and thereby suffer with mental illness, which could lead to suicide. Literature says that women attempts suicide more but success rate is lower compared to men where the success rate for suicide is very high. When a person gets ill s/hegets due attention - family members visiting them often, showering them with much care, and attention and so on. I am never against these practices however when it comes to caring or looking after a mentally affected person even the family member resents giving proper attention and fails to meet the basic needs of the person.
Many people have the misconception that if a person exhibits odd, unacceptable, bizarre behavior, then the person is under a demonic possession. I often wonder why people cannot learn that if a body organ like the kidney, liver, or any organ of the body can get sick, WHY NOT ‘the brain’?. The brain is known to be the thinking centre and the emotional seat for the human body. An individual develops mental illness when the level of certain chemicals (called as neurotransmitters) in the brain are altered.
There is a crucial need for identification, treatment, and referral of such cases and I believe is only possible only when certain myths are cleared and facts are addressed. Few facts against some myths, truths against some wrong misconceptions; when standing for the rights of mentally ill patients are discussed below:
Myth #1: Mental illness only affects a few people.
Fact: Mental illness is common. It affects people of all ages, educational and income levels and cultures
Myth #2: You are mentally ill as you have attempted suicide or still feel suicidal
Fact: Being suicidal does not mean being mentally ill. Although it’s true that many of those who die by suicide have underlying conditions, especially disturbance in mood regulations leading to impaired cognitive function and decision-making, making individuals more susceptible to impulsive and harmful actions.
Myth #3: Mentally ill people have lower intelligence and are poorer than the rest of the population.
Fact: Absolutely not true. Mental illness has no bias for a particular intelligence level, socioeconomic status, location, education, culture, religion, or gender. It can strike anyone, anywhere. No one is immune. It is true that untreated mental illness can interrupt a person’s life path and employment opportunities; that is why early assessment and therapy are so important.
Myth #4: Bad parenting causes mental illness.
Fact: I want to say again that mental illness is a complicated condition that arises from a combination of genetics, biology, and environment. Experts agree that many mental illnesses have an underlying medical condition that is treatable with medication, therapy, and support. Families do play a big role in helping with the recovery process.
Myth #5: People with a mental illness are violent and thus dangerous
Fact: People with a mental illness are no more violent or dangerous than the rest of the population. People with a mental illness are more likely to harm themselves – or to be harmed – than they are to hurt other people.
Myth #6: Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness.
Fact: A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is caused by genetic, biological, social and environmental factors. Seeking and accepting help is a sign of strength.
Myth #7: People with a mental illness should be kept in hospital.
Fact: With appropriate treatment and support, people with mental illness can live successfully in the community. In fact, the majority of people with a mental illness live independently in the community.
Myth #8: Once you are diagnosed with a mental illness, you are mad for the rest of your life.
Fact: If you have diabetes, are you unable to lead a normal life? of course, not. With proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, people with a physical disease such as diabetes live full, rich lives. Mental illnesses are also treatable conditions. With a thorough assessment, appropriate treatment, and support, people with a mental illness can – and do – lead happy, productive lives.
Myth #9: All people get depressed as they grow older; it is part of the aging process.
Fact: Let us be very clear about this myth – It is not true! Depression is not an inevitable part of aging. Neither is it normal for an older person to lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy; experience excessive sleep disturbances; or suffer from an inexplicable lack of energy. If an older person you know is showing any these signs, they may actually be depressed. Seek professional help to determine if depression or some other issue is behind these troubles.
Myth #10: People with a mental illness cannot hold down a job. It is also unfair to the other employees to be around someone who is mentally ill because they are afraid of upsetting that person. This makes for a very stressful environment for everyone.
Fact: The incidence of people taking time off work due to mental illness is no higher than it is for people with any chronic disease such as diabetes. In fact, most people are unaware that a co-worker has a mental illness and no special arrangements need to be made. A bigger concern for employers should be whether or not the workplace is a stressful environment. Stress-filled jobs are incubators for triggering mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression, and contributing to other health problems such as heart disease. Socially conscious employers support their employees by reducing workplace stressors and helping those who are recovering from a mental illness by hiring, or re-integrating them into the workplace.
Conclusion: These myths and many more, alienate people with mental illness from the rest of society. By perpetuating them, we discriminate against those with mental illness, causing them to feel isolated and humiliated. If our society is to reduce the impact of these diseases on our communities, we need to know the facts and change our own behavior.
Attitudes must change before behavior can change. Step back and become mindful of erroneous thoughts and opinions that perpetuate the myths around mental illness – and then correct them. You can make a difference in dismantling the stigma that exists today.
To build your own awareness, ask yourself the questions below, doing the following things to people with mental illness?
S – Stereotyping?
T – Trivializing or belittling their health challenges?
O – Offending someone with your attitude?
P – Patronizing people with mental health challenges because you unconsciously believe you are “better” than them?
“Silence gives consent to prejudice and discrimination. Avoid being a part of the silent majority – use your voice for change…”
