Commercialization, misconceptions leave people feeling alone in mental health journey

Commercialization, misconceptions leave people feeling alone in mental health journey

By Ahmad Ali

Over the past few years, there has been a progressive destigmatization of mental health across the world, leading to a rise in awareness and encouraging more people seeking help. This phenomenon has allowed more research and progress to be put into the large spectrum of mental health, paving the way for better identifying and treating different cases and potentially save lives. However, misconceptions regarding mental health and treatments still exist, both inside and outside the professional sphere, resulting sometimes in inefficient medication and a deceptive approach to mental health related cases.

These misconceptions have led to a gap in our understanding of the complex reality of mental health, allowing some who aren’t necessarily concerned by these issues to find room to exploit them to their benefit. Eventually, the exploitation has led to the commercialization of mental health, an exploitative portrayal of mental illness for the enjoyment of others and services marketed to better mental health. Omar Shawif has had to deal with ADHD, anxiety and depression and feels like he’s been misunderstood regarding his treatment. “I was prescribed medication to help me deal with my ADHD symptoms and they were mostly effective.

It was never treated completely but that’s normal