The launch of ‘The Mental Health Care Fund for Parsi Irani Zoroastrians’ by the WZO Trust Funds, marks a significant and timely step for our community. For years, mental health has existed as a quiet, uncomfortable undercurrent, spoken of in hushed tones, often dismissed, and addressed only when it reaches a point of visible crisis. Yet, the need has always been real, and today, it is undeniably growing. What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is its commitment to awareness alongside support. Through a dedicated series of articles written by experienced mental health professionals, WZO Trust Funds aims to help the community better understand mental health, while actively undoing long-held misgivings, myths and misconceptions surrounding it. For Details / Queries, CALL: (022) 35405665 / 23684452 / 23684453

-By Dr. Rohann Bokdawala

Let me start with a simple question. If someone has diabetes, do we tell them to “Just control your sugar by thinking positive?” Or, if someone fractures a bone, do we say, “Just be strong and walk it off?” NO! Then why do we say that to someone who is struggling mentally? Today, let’s discuss something that affects millions of people, but is still misunderstood, judged… and often ignored.

Before we understand mental illness, we need to do something even more important – we need to unlearn what we’ve been taught…

MYTH 1: Mental illness is not a real disease

Many people still believe that mental illness is just in the mind, it’s not real, not serious! But the truth is mental illness involves real changes in the brain – chemistry, structure and functioning. Just because you cannot see it on the outside, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. You cannot see anxiety. You cannot see depression. But the person living through it feels it every single day.

MYTH 2: People are just acting or doing drama

In India especially, we often hear, “Yeh sab natak hai.” Let me be very clear: No one chooses to feel helpless. No one chooses to feel anxious. No one chooses to lose control. If someone is struggling, it’s not drama, it’s distress.

MYTH 3: If you look normal, you must be fine

Sometimes, those struggling the most are the ones who seem most normal. They go to work. They smile.

They socialize. And then they go home… and break down. Mental illness does not always stop functioning. It often hides behind it.

MYTH 4: Mental illness is a rich person’s problem

This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions. Mental health does not check your bank balance before affecting you. In fact, lack of support, financial stress and social pressure often make mental health worse.

MYTH 5: People with schizophrenia are dangerous

Movies have done a lot of damage here. Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. They are confused. They are scared. They are trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t feel real. They need compassion, not fear.

MYTH 6: Schizophrenia means split personality

This is simply incorrect. Schizophrenia is not about having multiple personalities. It is about difficulty understanding reality – like hearing voices or strongly believing something that isn’t true.

MYTH 7: Mental illness is due to black magic or astrology

This belief delays treatment more than anything else. Mental illness can be caused due to inefficiencies in Brain chemistry; Genetics; Stress or Life experiences. Not black magic. And when we delay real treatment, the condition only worsens.

MYTH 8: Depression is weakness

If depression was weakness, then why does it affect high achievers, leaders, professionals, students?

Depression is not weakness. It is exhaustion – mental, emotional and sometimes physical.

MYTH 9: Children don’t get mental illness

We often say, “What stress can a child have?” But children today face Academic Pressure, Social Comparison, Emotional Neglect. And yes, they can suffer silently.

MYTH 10: Addiction is lack of willpower

Addiction is not about willpower. It is about how the brain changes over time. The person knows it is harmful.

But their brain is no longer functioning in the same way. That’s why they need treatment – NOT judgment.

MYTH 11: Therapy doesn’t work

Therapy is not just ‘talking’, it is structured, scientific, and goal-oriented. It helps people in multiple ways – by Understanding their thoughts; Managing emotions; and Breaking unhealthy patterns. For many, it is life-changing.

MYTH 12: All psychiatric medicines are sleeping pills

This is a very common fear. Modern psychiatric medications are targeted. They are designed to correct imbalances, not to sedate people unnecessarily.

MYTH 13: ECT is dangerous

People imagine old movies – chains, shocks, fear. But modern ECT is Safe, Controlled and Done under anesthesia. And in severe cases, it can save lives.

MYTH 14: Marriage will fix mental health problems

Marriage is not treatment. In fact, untreated mental illness can affect relationships deeply. Healing must come first.

MYTH 15: Seeking help means you are weak

This might be the most harmful belief of all. Let me say this clearly: Seeking help is not weakness. It is awareness. It is courage. It is strength.

The biggest problem is not mental illness. It is stigma. It is silence. And every time we say, “It’s nothing, it will go away,” or “Just be strong,” we add to that silence.

So today, let’s change one thing. Instead of judging, we understand. Instead of ignoring, we listen. Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say to someone is, “I understand. I’m here.”

[Dr. Rohann Bokdawala is a leading, Mumbai-based psychiatrist, known for his comprehensive and evidence-based approach to mental health care. With expertise spanning anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addictions and childhood conditions including ADHD and dyslexia, his extensive body of work reflects a strong focus on rehabilitation, preventive care and helping individuals regain optimal social and professional functioning.]