4 Common misconceptions about adolescent mental health

This interactive figure shows information about misconceptions about mental health:

1. Mental illness is not a ‘real’ illness.

FALSE. Mental ill health is not simply the regular ups and downs of life. It creates distress, which does not simply go away by itself, but can be managed through effective interventions. While some people who experience mental illness may act in ways that are unexpected or appear different to others, these cannot be generalised. It can sometimes be challenging to relate to the symptoms and personal experiences of people living with a mental health condition, if one has not experienced these for themselves, but this does not mean that their condition is somehow not real.

2. People with mental illness are typically violent, unpredictable and dangerous.

FALSE. Having a mental health condition does not make a person more likely to be violent or dangerous. The causes of violence are complicated, and mental illness is not by itself a predictor of violence. Few violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness, people with mental health problems are statistically more likely to bring harm to themselves than to harm someone else. The false perception, popularised in the media that people with mental illness are typically violent, unpredictable and dangerous, is amongst the most damaging of stereotypes

3. People who experience mental illness are unable to work or study.

FALSE. Depending on the severity of their condition, living with mental illness does not necessarily mean that a person is incapable of seeking or maintaining employment or studying. They may require additional support or suitable working arrangements. Those with more serious conditions may face some barriers as a result of discrimination.

4. Mental illness is a result of ‘bad parenting’.

FALSE. Mental health problems are complicated conditions that arise from a combination of genetics, biological, social, environmental, life experiences, and other influences and not simply a consequence of parenting. Around half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin before the age of 14. Parents and family members have a major role in support and recovery.

5. There is no such thing as mental illness in adolescence; it’s just puberty and signs of ‘teenage awkwardness’.

FALSE. Errant, ‘challenging’ or withdrawn behaviour, and sudden changes in mood at school or at home during adolescence are often seen as a sign that a young person is simply ‘acting out’ their frustration at struggling academically or socially. Adolescence is a period of significant physical and emotional change, brain development in particular. It is important to distinguish mental ill health from ‘transitional’ teenage behaviour, moving towards adulthood. Up to half of all mental health conditions show first signs before the age of 14. However, it is estimated that up to 20% of those diagnosed do not receive the treatment and support they need.

This interactive figure shows information about misconceptions about mental health:

6. There is no recovery from mental illness − once you have a diagnosis, it’s all downhill from there.

FALSE. Mental illness is not always a chronic, lifelong condition. People who experience mental illness can recover and lead fulfilling lives, learning to manage symptoms with support and appropriate treatments. Many people living with mental health conditions are able to live, work, learn and participate fully as active and productive members of communities. When treated appropriately and early, some people can recover with no further episodes of ill health. For others, ill health may recur throughout their life, and will require longer-term management to help people live full and fulfilling lives..

7. Mental illness is the sign of a ‘weak character’ − people with depression are just ‘lazy’.

FALSE. Mental ill health, whatever the cause, is not a character flaw or personal weakness. People with mental ill health are not ‘lazy’, ‘weak’ or able to ‘snap out of it’. The stereotype of a clinically depressed person as being lazy, or simply lacking motivation shows a lack of understanding of the condition. Multiple factors contribute towards mental illness, including life experiences, trauma, family history, physical illness or biological factors. It is not entirely clear why some people are more ‘resilient’ to developing mental illness than others after, for example, witnessing a traumatic event, being a victim of a crime, or longer-term exposure to traumatic experiences, such as abuse.

8. Prevention doesn’t work − it’s impossible to prevent mental illnesses.

FALSE. If risk factors are known (e.g. exposure to a specific trauma or known biological or environmental stimuli which can trigger mental health problems), then strategies aimed at preventing these would affect mental, emotional and behavioural outcomes in children and adolescents, as well as adults. Similarly we can all learn to read our own triggers and take actions to support self-care.

9. People with depression are just ‘sad’ − they need cheering up.

FALSE. There is a misconception that people who are clinically depressed can simply will away their mood, shake it off, pull themselves together and cheer up. Treatments such as cognitive therapy combined with medication can help address the symptoms of depression.