As a doctor and psychiatrist who has worked in several government and corporate setups, here are the most common myths about mental illness that I have come across.
Myth 1
"Mansik bimari ke liye doctor ke pass kyu jana hai, hume laga apne aap thik hogi"
While nobody hesitates to visit physicians, surgeons, or for that matter even quacks for their physical concerns, a trip to the psychiatrist's office is often met with internalised shame.
But honestly, the percentage of mental illness in India is now as high as 13%. So people no longer have to whisper about this behind closed doors, and that trip to the psychiatrist can definitely shorten your otherwise prolonged suffering.
Myth 2
"Psychiatric goliyon se side effects hi side effects hai, hum toh acche hava se thik honge."
While all sorts of medications, including those without any scientific backup, are consumed without hesitation, when it comes to medicines prescribed by a psychiatrist, there is always a big frown and countless doubts, often accompanied by the famous fear of "kidney failure".
But psychiatric medications go through multiple drug trials before they are approved for mass use. These medicines have side effects similar to those used for many other illnesses, including diabetes, and when prescribed properly they usually have a higher benefit ratio.
Myth 3
"Sab mansik bimariya counselling ya baat karne se ya meditation karne se thik hoti hai"
While several therapies work hand in hand in treating mental illness, many times the best and quickest recovery happens when medications, therapy, and lifestyle modifications are used together.
Refusing medications is like denying your brain the opportunity to recover fully.
So while we still have a long way to go in busting myths about mental illness, stay tuned for more insights on mental well-being here.
- Dr Kinjal Andrade Patil