How Thomas Matoke Became ill;10 Myths About Mental illness You Must Know

Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.-www. mentalhealth.gov; 20% of Nigerians are mentally ill and at any point in time, two to five per cent of the 20 per cent population would manifest the symptoms of mental disorder at early stage-Owoyemi,2013.

Mental health is still alien for many who are not informed or still find the connection between our mental health and over health vis a vis physical and socioemotional wellbeing. Today, 64 million Nigerians are going through one form of mental illness or the other because everything that would cause mental illness is on the increase in Nigeria. “Poverty is on the increase, hopelessness is on the increase, insecurity is on the increase-Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy(2012) tell the difference between a mental health myth and fact? Learn the truth about the most common mental health myths. Keep an open though, you be amazed the facts.

.1. Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.

Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable, and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs. 

For example, Thomas Matoke is a 33 year old Kenyan who got ill when he was just 3 years old and lost much of his high-level functioning. So his mother ties him up to prevent him from running away or hurting himself. 

33 year old Thomas who is changed to a tree
 became mentally ill at just 3 years

He’s been like this for 30 years. And poverty means there isn't much medical help his family can afford.  Read More; Perception of the Mentally ill in Africa-The Curious case of Thomas Matoke

2. Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health problems. Once a friend or family member develops mental health problems, he or she will never recover.

Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work. With the right kind of help, most people do recover and lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives.

3. Myth: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health problem.

Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. Only 38% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment.

Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

• Reaching out and lettimg them knon you are avialable to help
• Helpiing them access mental health services 
• Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true 
• Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else 
• Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy"

3. Myth: Mental illness only affects a few people and don’t affect me.
Fact: Mental illness is common in throughout the world often seriously impairing. It affects people of all ages, educational and income levels and cultures.

• In Nigeria the most commonly diagnosed mental illness is mood disorders. Psychoactive substance misuse accounts for around ten per cent of cases treated in mental health facilities. 
• 64 million Nigerians are going through one form of mental illness or the other because everything that would cause mental illness is on the increase in Nigeria. “Poverty is on the increase, hopelessness is on the increase, insecurity is on the increase-Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy(2012). “These figures are universal, but the mental disorder can increase in times of social upheaval, such as war, terrorism and so on-Owoyemi (2013). 
• Neuropsychiatric disorders contributed an estimated 6.2 per cent of the global burden of disease in 2008. 
• One in five Australians will experience a mental illness.

4. Myth: Mental health problems don't affect me.
Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2011, about:

• One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue
• One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression
• One in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

 Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 38,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide. 

5.  Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.

Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better.People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.Seeking and accepting help is a sign of strength as mental illness is not is not “cured” by personal strength.  Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including; 

• Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
•  Family history of mental health problems

6. Myth: Prevention doesn’t work. It is impossible to prevent mental illnesses.
Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors such as exposure to trauma that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health problems. Promoting the social-emotional well-being of children and youth leads to:

• Higher overall productivity 
• Better educational outcomes 
• Lower crime rates 
• Stronger economies 
• Lower health care costs
• Improved quality of life 
• Increased lifespan 
• Improved family life

 7. Myth: People with mental illness are violent and unpredictable.Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population. You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don't even realize it, because many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.8.Myth: People with a mental illness should be kept in hospital.Fact: With appropriate treatment and support, people with mental illness can live successfully in the community. In fact, the majority of people with a mental illness live independently in the community.

9. Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Fact: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.

When employees with mental health problems receive effective treatment, it can result in:

• Lower total medical costs
• Increased productivity 
•  Lower absenteeism 
•  Decreased disability costs

10. Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?
Fact: Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.

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