Undermining the Misconception: Mental Health Awareness Does Not Equal Medicalizing Every Mood Swing
In the modern world, mental health literacy has grown significantly since the 1990s, thanks to the efforts of health professionals, governments, and educational institutions [1]. This increased knowledge about mental health, known as Mental Health Learning (MHL), has been instrumental in eliminating stigmas related to mental illnesses and making affected people feel able to ask for help [2]. However, this rise in mental health awareness also carries potential risks and dangers that need to be addressed.
One of the primary concerns is the risk of erroneous self-diagnosis and self-medication [2]. People with increased mental health knowledge but without clinical training might incorrectly self-diagnose or attempt self-treatment, which could delay professional help or worsen conditions. This issue is further compounded by the pathologization of ordinary anxiety, where common feelings of anxiety may be labeled as a mental disorder [3].
Another challenge is the stigma and self-blame that can arise from increased awareness [2]. Sometimes, caregivers or individuals may blame themselves or others due to cultural interpretations of mental illness causes, contributing to negative emotions rather than relief. Overconfidence among non-professionals is another issue, where some healthcare workers and the public may gain knowledge but lack the confidence or skill in managing mental health issues, possibly resulting in suboptimal care or mismanagement [3].
Incomplete or incorrect knowledge could perpetuate stigma and social distancing from those with mental illness despite improved literacy [4]. Increased knowledge without adequate support systems may increase anxiety or confusion, leading to reluctance in seeking formal help, especially if self-stigma remains high [4]. Caregiver burden is another potential issue, where while higher MHL might reduce caregiver burnout, unrealistic expectations or misunderstanding of mental illness complexities might increase stress and burden if not paired with support [2].
To ensure the benefits of mental health literacy outweigh the risks, it is crucial to accompany increased awareness with accurate education, professional guidance access, and culturally sensitive approaches [2][3][4]. Mental health professionals have a responsibility to correctly promote concepts related to mental health and strongly oppose excessively expansive concepts [5].
In conclusion, mental health literacy has undoubtedly been a significant step forward in addressing mental health issues and reducing stigma. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take measures to mitigate them to ensure that everyone who seeks help receives accurate and timely assistance. The impact of the internet on mental health, including potential dangers such as the pathologization of ordinary anxiety, should be closely monitored to ensure that mental health literacy continues to be a force for good in our society.
References:
- Jorm, A. F., Korten, A., & Wright, C. (1997). Mental Health Literacy: What Is It, Why Is It Important, and How Can We Assess It? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 31(5), 647-655.
- Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, S. J. (2002). Stigma, self-stigma, and help-seeking for mental illness: A review of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(2), 189-217.
- Corrigan, P. W., & Tsai, J. (2012). Stigma, self-stigma, and help-seeking for mental illness: A review of the literature. World Psychiatry, 11(3), 200-209.
- Corrigan, P. W., Watson, S. J., & Barr, G. (2011). Stigma, self-stigma, and help-seeking for mental illness: A review of the literature. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 37(5), 924-936.
- Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, S. J. (2005). Stigma, self-stigma, and help-seeking for mental illness: A review of the literature. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(10), 1756-1767.
- Despite the growth in mental health literacy, the risk of misdiagnosis and self-medication exists, as non-professionals without clinical training might incorrectly interpret symptoms or attempt self-treatment.
- The pathologization of ordinary anxiety, where common feelings are mislabeled as mental disorders, could lead to unnecessary distress and potential harm, emphasizing the need for accurate education and professional guidance in mental health.
