The stigma surrounding seeking treatment at a mental hospital is often led by a dozen of misconceptions about mental health and psychiatric care. While mental health issues are being discussed openly today, however, many individuals resist from asking for help and treatment due to the strong myths attached to mental health which discourages people. Unfortunately, these assumptions and beliefs create barriers to care, preventing those struggling with mental health issues from asking for the help which they require.
This article will shed light on some of the common myths related to mental health care and seeking treatment, thereby providing a reality check on these essential healthcare facilities.
Myth 1: Psychiatric Hospitals are Only for Dangerous People
One of the most common myths about mental hospitals is that they are only for dangerous or violent people. Individuals often form stereotypical beliefs through movies where they depict that the individuals who can harm oneself and the society are forced to live in psychiatric hospitals.
Reality: Mental hospitals treat a variety of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia where patients are non- violent. The primary goal is to help patients recover and not isolate them from the society. Many are admitted for a shorter duration to treat major depressive disorder or substance abuse and are not a threat to the society.
In fact, mental hospitals prioritize safe and a calm environment where the focus is on the healing. Those with severity of symptoms are handled by trained professionals.
Myth 2: Psychiatric Health Centres are Depressing and Cold Establishing
People often consider psychiatric hospitals as gloomy and depressing institutions where patients are locked up in a room and cut off from the world.
Reality: Mental health centres are designed to be warm, comfortable and conducive to healing. Patients at a rehab centre are offered private and semi- private room with and without AC. The environment surrounding mental hospitals are also supported by sunlight and greenery. Patients are allowed for participating in outdoor activities and engage in recreational activities which are crucial for faster recovery.
Patients are also encouraged to participate in dance therapy, walk sessions and art therapy amidst the open space. The goal is to create a safe and a homely environment supporting mental health recovery.
Myth 3: Patients are Caged at a Psychiatric Hospital Against Their Will
Another common myth surrounding psychiatric hospitals is that individuals may lose their independence and forced to stay till indefinite period. This fear prevents people from seeking help and asking for treatment.
Reality: Voluntary admission at a mental health centre is highly common and individuals are often self- motivated to seek complete recovery during their stay. Involuntary admissions only happen if they pose a serious harm to themselves and others.
The focus of a mental health centre is on collaboration and helping patients regain control over their mental well- being and not to lose their autonomy. Patients have the right to be informed about their treatment and the progress.
Myth 4: Medications are the Only Treatment Offered at a Mental Hospital
People often assume that psychiatric hospitals only offer medication management to help recover from mental health disorders rather than addressing the root causes of the problem.
Reality: While medication management play a crucial role in the treatment process, psychiatric hospitals offer therapeutic interventions for treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, counselling sessions and complementary therapies such as yoga and mindfulness practices. This holistic treatment approach provides long term recovery and reduce relapse rate.
Medications are carefully monitored by psychiatrists in a rehabilitation centre who specifically focus on the symptom of each patient.
Myth 5: Psychiatric Hospitals are Last Solutions
Another misconception about psychiatric hospitals is that where no treatment was successful, people seek help in a mental asylum. This suggest that only extreme cases require hospitalization and that seeking treatment in an inpatient care centre means failure in managing one’s mental health condition.
Reality: Hospitalization is not just for individuals with severe cases but also work as a preventive measure for those at risk or deteriorating mental health. Individuals with minor mental health condition like depression, bipolar disorder and eating disorder often avail treatment at an inpatient centre through short term stay.
Inpatient mental health treatment centres provide a structed environment where the primary focus is on the recovery of the patient without external pressures of life. Seeking help does not represent failure rather than the first step towards progress.
Myth 6: One Can Never Return to the Normalcy of Life After Psychiatric Treatment
Another myth surrounding mental hospitals is that one can never return to a normal life after being admitted to a treatment centre. This marks the beginning of a lifelong struggle which leads to dependence and isolation.
Reality: People seeking psychiatric treatment can often live a fulfilling and productive life. Individuals after getting the right treatment and care can often return to work or maintain social relationships.
With the right support, many individuals are able to achieve a significant improvement in their overall mental health and well- being.
Myth 7: Psychiatric Patients Are Mad
People often label psychiatric patients as “Mad” which shows that they are not valued and respected. Movies and books in the 21st century have come to depict mentally sick patients as being mad.
Reality: Mental patients are not mad. They just need the right treatment and care at the right time for complete recovery.
Individuals often resist treatment due to the stigma attached as being called mad people who are crazy.
Myth 8: Mental Hospitals Are Outdated and Inefficient
Some people still believe that mental health treatments are outdated and has not evolved from the primitive practices. This shows how inefficient the whole process is.
Reality: Psychiatric hospitals have evolved from the past to involving evidence- based treatment methods and therapies, helping patients recover from mental illness.
Today’s mental hospitals emphasize on holistic recovery and patient empowerment. They focus on relapse management and life- long recovery.
Athena Behavioural Health as the Best Treatment Centre for Mental Disorders
Athena Behavioural Health in Gurgaon, Delhi, India plays a vital role in breaking the stereotypes and myths about seeking treatment in a mental hospital. ABH offers a compassionate care focused on the healing of the individual. Athena Behavioural Health provides a structured and a safe facility with evidence- based treatment programs such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and recreational therapy along with medication management and counselling sessions. The best mental health treatment centre also helps in reducing the stigma attached surrounding psychiatric care and motivate individuals to seek the help which is necessary for recovery without hesitation. To contact Athena, dial at +91 92890 86193 or email at customercare@athenabhs.com.
Conclusion
Breaking the myths into reality about mental hospitals and treatment is highly important for reducing the stigma attached to psychiatric care and treatment. Understanding the reality of mental health disorders, its treatment and causes can help encourage people to ask for help anytime they need it. Mental health centres are not just a place of isolation and being judged, they are a place of hope and healing.
FAQ
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Does a psychiatric hospital allow inpatients to have an access to their mobile phones?
It depends on clinic to clinic and as well as from patient to patient. Some mental hospitals have strict restrictions to using phone, while others allow patients to use on priority basis.
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How should I avoid believing in the misconceptions about mental illnesses and psychiatric hospitals?
You must read the recent news articles on mental illness to avoid believing in misconceptions. You can also talk to a psychiatrist to get a better picture of the concept.
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How are LGBTQIA+ patients treated in mental health centre?
LGBTQIA+ patients receive the same compassionate care and treatment like other patients. They are not under looked or mistreated.
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Do psychiatric hospitals allow patients to continue their education or work remotely
Yes, psychiatric hospitals often allow patients to continue their education or work remotely while also seek treatment at a mental health clinic.
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Is there a specific time duration for stay in a mental hospital?
Treatment duration varies between cases and depends on the individual’s treatment progress. An addiction patient may require three months stay in a mental asylum, whereas, a psychiatric patient may require years of stay.
