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We've shared numerous intriguing lists about unusual mental disorders on this platform, but none focusing on the myths surrounding mental health. Mental health conditions, disorders, and differences are often widely misunderstood by the public. This list explores some of these conditions and the prevalent myths about them. I’m sure there are many other mental health myths that have been so commonly believed, I’ve fallen for them too. Please feel free to share those in the comments.
10. Antisocial Personality Disorder
The Myth: A person who avoids social interaction is 'antisocial'.
This is largely a semantic misunderstanding, which is why I’ve placed it at number ten. Many people mistakenly label those who are hesitant to engage in social activities as 'antisocial'. However, these individuals are often highly pro-social, sometimes even more so than the average person.
Antisocial Personality Disorder is diagnosed in adults who persistently disregard the rights of others through violent behavior, dishonesty, theft, or reckless actions without concern for their own or others' safety. These individuals are often extroverted, making them quite different from those typically labeled as 'antisocial,' who tend to be more considerate of others' feelings. The people commonly called 'antisocial' are often just shy or suffer from conditions like autism, depression, social anxiety disorder, or avoidant personality disorder (AvPD). AvPD, which involves a strong fear of social rejection leading to avoidance, could contribute to this confusion, especially considering that the two personality disorders have similar names, despite being entirely different.
9. Dissociative Identity Disorder
The Myth: People with Dissociative Identity Disorder dramatically alter their behavior and lose memory of events when they switch personalities.
Some argue that DID itself is a myth, as it appears to be diagnosed far more often in North America than anywhere else. However, for the purpose of this discussion, let's assume it truly exists.
People with DID can have anywhere from two to over a hundred distinct personalities, known as 'alters', that take turns controlling their behavior. These alters often, but not always, emerge as a result of childhood trauma. They don’t always cause significant changes in behavior or appearance, so others might not even notice their presence. Many individuals with DID (referred to as 'multiples') are aware of their alters and can recognize them, even before starting therapy, which would be difficult if they had no memory of switching. It's possible for one personality to be unaware of what happened while another was in control, leading to feelings of amnesia, but they may still be fully aware of what’s happening and simply not engaged. The alters often communicate with each other to some extent and might even collaborate to conceal the fact that they are multiple personalities. Some multiples prefer not to undergo therapy aimed at integrating them into one personality, as they are comfortable living as a team. [Image Source]
8. Dyslexia
The Myth: Everyone with dyslexia struggles to read because they perceive letters in the wrong order.
This myth actually consists of two misconceptions, though it's just a small part of the many myths surrounding dyslexia. The first is that dyslexic individuals can't read. In reality, most dyslexic people do learn to read, but without proper support, they often struggle and remain behind their peers in terms of speed and comprehension. However, this isn't always the case: many dyslexic children manage to hide their reading difficulties until around third or fourth grade or even later. And when taught by someone familiar with dyslexia, they can learn to read proficiently.
The second part of this myth suggests that dyslexics have trouble reading because they see words backward or scrambled. While this may seem true at times, especially when they mix up letters or sounds in their attempts to decode a word, the problem is not visual in nature. Some dyslexics may also confuse left and right or struggle with spelling. However, the core issue lies in their distinct cognitive processing, rather than a visual perception issue.
7. Schizophrenia
The Myth: People with schizophrenia hear voices inside their heads.
Schizophrenia is a well-known condition, often joked about with references to 'the voices in my head.' However, contrary to common belief, not everyone with schizophrenia experiences these voices internally. Auditory hallucinations are indeed common among those with schizophrenia, but they’re more likely to hear voices coming from an external source rather than from within their minds. Additionally, schizophrenia presents itself in many different ways. Some individuals may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real), delusions (holding onto irrational beliefs), disordered thinking, emotional blunting (appearing unemotional), or even, in cases of catatonic schizophrenia, a complete lack of movement. Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with many potential symptoms, and it’s important to note that alternate personalities aren’t a symptom of schizophrenia (we’ve already discussed that disorder).
6. Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Myth: Autism is a crippling disorder that prevents individuals from ever functioning normally in society.
There are countless myths about autism, and many are highly debated. One of the most widespread misconceptions is that autism is a debilitating condition that traps individuals in their own world, incapable of communicating or interacting with others, prone to tantrums without reason, and destined to never integrate into society. In reality, autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder because it encompasses a wide range of abilities. Some individuals with autism may struggle to communicate or engage with others, while others lead successful, fulfilling lives, merely displaying quirky behaviors that seem eccentric to the rest of us.
Severe autism does not equate to a life sentence. Even those with very low-functioning autism can lead fulfilling and content lives. Additionally, there are many reports of low-functioning autistic children showing remarkable improvement through therapy, with some even overcoming most of the challenges typically associated with autism. While many individuals and organizations are seeking a cure for autism, it is worth noting that those advocating for a cure tend to focus on the challenges faced by low-functioning individuals, while largely overlooking the reality of high-functioning autism and the perspectives of those who would never want to be 'cured.'
5. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The Myth: Individuals with ADHD are incapable of focusing on anything.
ADHD is a disorder that has gained significant attention in recent years, so you're likely familiar with it. For those who aren’t, individuals with ADHD face challenges in concentrating on tasks and may exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity. However, it is a misconception that people with ADHD cannot focus on anything. In fact, many individuals with ADHD can focus intensely on things that truly capture their interest, much like anyone else would be more distracted by a boring task than an enjoyable one. In some cases, individuals with ADHD struggle with focus because they become overwhelmed by sensory input—too many sights, sounds, and smells—rather than focusing solely on the task at hand. They need to learn how to filter out these distractions and direct their attention to what matters most.
4. Selective Mutism
The Myth: A person with selective mutism is either deliberately refusing to speak, or has experienced abuse or trauma in the past.
Selective Mutism is the only disorder on this list that you may not recognize by name, though its myths are widespread. It's a disorder with misconceptions so prevalent that they are often accepted not just by society at large, but by professionals as well.
Selective Mutism (formerly known as Elective Mutism) is a condition that typically begins in early childhood. A person with selective mutism is perfectly capable of speaking but chooses not to speak, and sometimes avoids communicating altogether, in certain situations. Many parents, teachers, and even mental health professionals mistakenly believe that those with selective mutism are choosing not to speak, possibly as a means of manipulating others. However, the reality is that most individuals with selective mutism genuinely want to speak but feel paralyzed by fear. A significant majority also suffer from social anxiety disorder, with silence acting as a coping mechanism in stressful situations. Paradoxically, punishing a child for not speaking only heightens their anxiety, making them even less likely to speak.
If you’ve never encountered someone with selective mutism, you might still believe in a widely spread myth: that some children and teenagers stop speaking altogether, or only to a select few, due to trauma or abuse. While it’s true that some may become mute after a traumatic event, this usually only lasts for a few weeks, not months or years. Selective mutism doesn’t typically develop in later childhood or as a result of trauma or abuse.
3. All Mental Disorders
The Myth: Mental health disorders are just a product of your imagination, and you can simply overcome them if you really try.
This myth takes the top spot, not just for being general but because it’s one of the most harmful, as it can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. Many still think that mental illnesses are just in the mind of the person suffering, or that people with these conditions aren’t really experiencing much difficulty or simply don’t care enough to get better. This myth is especially persistent when the illness is less widely understood, and even well-known conditions often face dismissal.
The fact that so many different people have experienced the same symptoms should demonstrate that they are real — it’s unlikely they’re all independently coming up with the same issues. Any mental health disorder, by its very nature, disrupts the lives of those who suffer from it, often in a negative way, or it wouldn’t be classified as a disorder. These conditions are certainly not easy to overcome. Most mental disorders have a component involving a brain difference or chemical imbalance. Even when non-physical causes are involved, breaking a thought pattern or habit is very challenging — just try changing any habit you have. Additionally, the disorder itself can prevent people from seeking help: individuals with depression may feel that no therapist could help them and be too fatigued to seek out assistance. If mental illnesses could be overcome simply by wishing, the world would be full of much happier and more productive people.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The Myth: People with OCD are preoccupied with the danger of germs and are usually obsessed with cleanliness and order.
I can’t even begin to count how often I’ve heard someone claim they’re ‘OCD’ simply because they like to keep things tidy or are particular about cleanliness. Many people mistakenly assume that OCD is just about being neat or being afraid of germs, without realizing that the disorder is much more complex than that.
OCD is an anxiety disorder that involves two main features. First, individuals with OCD experience recurring intrusive thoughts (obsessions), typically centered around something distressing or completely out of character for them. Common obsessions include fears about germs or contamination, worries about not properly locking doors to prevent break-ins, or even thoughts of harm befalling their loved ones. Other obsessions might include violent thoughts, doing something against their religious beliefs, or any other troubling idea. Second, individuals believe that performing a specific ritual or behavior will eliminate the perceived danger. These rituals can range from washing hands, keeping their home perfectly tidy, repeatedly checking if a door is locked, or mentally repeating certain words or numbers. However, completing these compulsions only offers brief relief, so the ritual must be repeated.
Not everyone with OCD is concerned with germs or follows the types of rituals we commonly associate with the disorder. Some individuals with OCD have mental compulsions that are not visibly apparent to others. Additionally, while perfectionism or neatness is sometimes linked to OCD, it is more commonly associated with another disorder entirely. This disorder is called Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), which differs significantly from OCD. A key distinction is that those with OCPD see their habits as essential parts of their identity and something to be proud of, while individuals with OCD are often disturbed by their compulsions and seek to alleviate them.
1. Self-Harm/Self-Injury
The Myth: People who intentionally cut, burn, or otherwise harm themselves are either trying to end their lives or are simply seeking attention.
Many individuals, particularly teenagers, who struggle with various mental health issues cope with their emotional turmoil by physically harming themselves, with cutting being the most common form of self-injury. While self-harm has gained more visibility in recent years, the myths surrounding the motivations of those who engage in this behavior persist.
Regardless of how it may appear, self-injury should not be mistaken for a failed suicide attempt. Some individuals who self-harm do so repeatedly over long periods without ever causing themselves life-threatening injuries, which would be a remarkable failure if their intention was truly to end their lives. For many self-injurers, the act is a way of coping with overwhelming feelings and is often seen as a way to avoid the more permanent solution of suicide.
Another common misconception is that people who self-harm are merely seeking attention. While this may be true for a few individuals, especially as self-injury becomes more recognized, most self-harmers go to great lengths to conceal their injuries. They may wear long sleeves or pants, or cut in places that are typically covered by clothing, such as their upper thighs or stomach. Some people who self-injure desperately hope someone will notice and offer help, but many are too ashamed or fearful of others' reactions to reveal their struggles. Even if someone does self-harm for attention, it raises a significant concern: what could be causing such a deep need for attention that it leads to self-injury?
