One of the major reasons why people find it difficult to seek help for mental issues is the fear of the unknown. The depiction of mental health treatment facilities in the popular media also adds to this fear. As a result, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions surrounding inpatient care centers that keep people from seeking the help they need. Let’s bust some of these myths today!
Myth #1: Inpatient Care Requires a Prolonged Stay at the Facility
When you have never experienced a stay in an inpatient treatment center, you may be confused about what to expect. However, it is foolish to fear that you will be there for several months, as that is rarely the case. In the majority of cases, the length of stay at an inpatient facility is about a week or two. The duration is just enough to serve as a much-needed break to help you get back on the road to recovery. If you are denying helpful treatment because of fear of a prolonged stay, you need to check again.
Myth #2: Everyone in Inpatient Care Facilities Have Severe Mental Illness
The popular belief is that inpatient care facilities are filled with people suffering from intense symptoms. In reality, however, most patients in such facilities are there for common mental health issues like anxiety and depression. A lot of people benefit from their stay at an inpatient center as it helps them get some time away from the regular responsibilities and stress of the daily routine. With this time off, they are able to focus on learning different coping strategies and improving their overall health. You do not need to have severe mental illness to stay at these facilities.
Myth #3: Inpatient Care Is for People Who Are Dangerous or Violent
If your knowledge about inpatient care comes from movies and TV shows, you may have several misconceptions about these facilities. Statistically, people with mental illnesses are no more likely to be violent than average people. In fact, a significant number of patients at inpatient facilities come there voluntarily. Also, people stay at these facilities to get treatment, not because they are deemed too dangerous for the outside world. These facilities are safe and secure, designed to provide a soothing and trigger-free environment for recovery.
Myth #4: A Person Who Seeks Inpatient Care Is Weak
One of the most common misconceptions about mental health treatment is that people who need it lack willpower. It is completely untrue. Seeking help and care when you are suffering from a mental problem is a sign of strength. In a world where a majority of people do not feel comfortable talking about their mental health, it takes a lot of willpower and mental strength to admit when you are struggling with mental illness. If there is no shame in seeking medical help for a physical condition, the same should be applicable to those asking for inpatient care.
Myth #5: Patients Are Forced to Take Medications or Receive Invasive Treatment
The depiction of inpatient mental care in movies and TV shows may have made you believe that patients are treated by prisoners in such facilities, but that is far from the truth. In reality, medication management is a crucial part of inpatient care. A psychiatrist assesses you and may recommend some medication based on his/her observations. They also monitor the dosage and symptoms. This allows them to adjust the medications based on the symptoms. Most importantly, no one is forced to take medicine against their will as long as they are not a threat to themselves or others. These facilities prioritize the consent and comfort of every patient as a part of their healing journeys.
Wrapping up
Inpatient mental treatment facilities are not much different from other medical facilities. The regular medical centers focus on helping people recover from physical illnesses and trauma. Inpatient care centers do the same for mental illnesses and other mental conditions. Unless we talk about mental issues and check out such facilities ourselves, it is difficult to separate the myths and misconceptions from reality.
