Educate, Don't Exaggerate

BY SYNA DAR

“The trouble with the world is not that people know too little; it’s that they know so many things that just aren’t so.” -Mark Twain.

The youth of the 21st century is known for its awareness and acceptance. With an open mindset and a non-judgmental approach, they are fostering a space for crucial conversations. However, there remains a gap in understanding highly impactful topics like mental disorders. As a wise man once said, “Half knowledge is more dangerous than no knowledge at all.”

Today, it’s evident that the youth frequently use terms like “depressed” and “anxiety” in everyday conversations without fully grasping the gravity of these disorders. Mental health terms are sometimes used casually or inappropriately, which oversimplifies the complexities of these conditions. This generalization often leads to overlooking those who genuinely suffer from such disorders.

Some common misconceptions include confusing nervousness with anxiety, equating a bad day with depression, labeling cleanliness as OCD, or mistaking mood swings for BPD. In reality, these disorders encompass intricate physical and neurological aspects of an individual.

These misconceptions have multiplied with the rise of platforms like social media, movies, and web series that romanticise mental health. Unfortunately, some portrayals in literature and cinema have glamourized mental health conditions, presenting them as edgy or cool. For instance, the novel “13 Reasons Why” conveyed a troubling narrative about suicide, leading to an alarming 28.9% increase in suicide rates among Americans (as published by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry).

On social media, influencers sometimes spread misleading information about these disorders for the sake of likes and views. As noted by Ms. Rasia Kashani, a mental health counsellor at CMHS, Srinagar, “Nowadays, the usage of terms regarding mental disorders by people with no actual education in such fields has become problematic. Some of our patients become anxious about mild disorders due to the misinformation spread about these conditions. Many fall victim to this false information, leading to self-diagnosis that often worsens their condition.”

These misconceptions have serious consequences. They trivialise the struggles of individuals who genuinely suffer from these disorders. By incorrectly claiming these conditions, we undermine the severity of these illnesses. Anxiety and depression, for instance, go far beyond momentary feelings. According to the WHO, 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. It doesn’t simply manifest as sadness but significantly affects an individual’s academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being.

Media exposure plays a role in perpetuating these misconceptions. Positive media portrayals of disorders such as bipolar disorder have led to its romanticization as a form of self-diagnosis. Some people may believe that having such a disorder makes them more exciting or creative.

However, romanticizing mental health conditions can discourage people from seeking professional help. It may make recovery less appealing, and individuals might avoid or delay treatment, fearing that it will strip them of their perceived uniqueness and creativity.

This romanticization particularly affects adolescents and young adults who may be vulnerable to self-diagnosis, self-harm, and other risky behaviors in an attempt to fit this romanticized narrative.

Some might argue that romanticizing mental health is better than complete stigmatization, especially in communities where mental disorders are not regarded as real. However, romanticization is another form of stigma. It misrepresents mental illness and allows society to exploit it at the expense of those who truly suffer from these conditions.

To address these misconceptions, education is essential. Society needs to be educated about mental health disorders in the right way. Open conversations about mental health with peers, family, or professionals should be encouraged. Compassion and empathy should be directed toward the victims of these disorders.

Programs and seminars on mental health should be organized in various institutions, including corporate offices and educational institutions. Schools should introduce counseling sessions and camps for students to better understand these subjects. According to a study by the University of Medical Sciences, Iran, applying group training and individual counseling in schools can significantly improve mental health among adolescents.

Awareness is the key to dispelling misconceptions. The more we know, the less harm we cause. Patients have the right to know their counselor’s qualifications and the details of their disorder and treatment. Various hospitals and institutions offer free counseling for those who cannot afford it.

Finding a consensus regarding mental health may be challenging, but it’s possible. By creating a safe and informed environment, we can help thousands of victims who have been left unheard. It only takes a step from each of us, together.

Syna Dar, Department of Functional English, Govt College for Women, Srinagar