While mental health is slowly but surely becoming destigmatized, many people believe mental illness shouldn’t be taken seriously. Because of this and how society views mental health, there is a lot of misinformation circulating that is harmful to those who have a mental illness. This is why it’s vital that people set the record straight when possible.

For example, one common misconception is that those who have a mental illness are “crazy.” This simply isn’t true—a person who has a mental illness is merely ill with an invisible illness with symptoms they need to manage and treat. While it’s true that some illnesses can alter a person’s thinking, mood, or perception of reality, that does not make them “crazy.” It makes them vulnerable and susceptible to sickness like anyone else.

Going off of that, people who have a mental illness are not inherently violent and dangerous. This is a common rumor spread after acts of mass violence, but the reality is that a person’s hatred is not a mental illness. In fact, those who have a mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators.

Just like any disease or sickness, those with a mental illness may be medicated to treat their symptoms. The myth that psychiatric medications are bad or harmful isn’t true, much like the common belief that medication is an “easy fix” isn’t true. For many people with a mental illness, medication is as necessary as insulin is for someone with diabetes. Some medication can be a matter of survival for people, while those with mild to moderate cases of illnesses like depression, anxiety, or ADHD take medication to help ease their symptoms and let them function normally. Medication, combined with regular therapy, can help improve a person’s quality of life.

Seeking help for mental illness is often viewed as an ostracizing action, leading to everything becoming much worse than if the person dealt with their symptoms on their own. This misconception can lead to many people not receiving the treatment they need for a better quality of life. As the stigma behind mental illness eases and mental health awareness increases, it’s becoming much easier for people to get the help they need. Other people’s perceptions shouldn’t stop those who need help from getting it.

Most importantly, stigmas and myths shouldn’t stop those who need help from seeking it out. Mental illness is like any other disease; people need treatment and help from professionals to start feeling better. Continuing to spread misconceptions will only set people back from improving their quality of life.