There are tons of misunderstandings about the field of psychology that stem from the fact that many educated people still have very little knowledge about what psychology is and is not. The psychology definition and the careers that stem from a degree related to psychology both contribute to misunderstandings. In order to destigmatize psychology and mental health, it is important to spread the facts and address myths and misunderstandings.

Myth 1: We Only Use 10 Percent, Or Less, of Our Brain

You may have heard that we only use 10 percent of our brain. There have been science fiction stories, songs, and news articles about this idea, but the claim itself is not true. Research tells us that the portions of the brain, the neurons, are programed to die if they are not utilized. This would lead to brain shrinkage and deterioration.

Myth 2: OCD is the Same as Being Organized

People who are very organized are often said to suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD. However, they may not suffer from OCD at all and people who suffer from OCD may not be very organized or neat. Obsessive compulsive disorder is associated with obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

Myth 3: Bipolar Disorder Always Causes Mood Swings

Mood swings are a common symptom with bipolar disorder, but they are actually not a component of the official diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression and is associated with two different states that do not necessarily change quickly. The person who suffers with bipolar disorder will have periods of depression and periods of mania that can last for prolonged periods before changing.

Myth 4: Psychology is Easy

There is a misunderstanding that psychology is easy. This is especially common on college campuses. However, when people begin to take psychology courses, they will likely find out that it is not as easy as they thought. There are different schools of thought, histories, diagnoses, and symptoms to study and learn.

Myth 5: Psychology is Common Sense

This kind of relates to myth 4 and it the idea that psychology is merely common sense. However, this is not necessarily the case. Research may seem obvious sometimes, but it is important, nonetheless. In addition, there are also studies that prove things true which most people would have never predicted or thought to be true.

Myth 6: Psychologists Only Listen

Psychologists do not just sit back and listen to their clients passively. Talk therapy involves active engagement, questions, guidance, and the development of solutions. Different careers in psychology also have a variety of different duties and specialties.

Myth 7: Psychology is Not a Real Science

Some people may wrongfully believe that psychology is not a real science. Psychology relies on the scientific method and research. This research can then be used to progress the science of psychology. This is not to say that there are not limitations because there are due to the fact that different cultures and the passage of time can alter human behavior.

Myth 8: Mental Illness Causes Violence

There is a reason that people believe that mental health issues cause violence. When someone commits a violent crime, people sometimes try to understand the perpetrator by saying they are crazy. Furthermore, if they do have a history of mental illness, the media is likely to take an interest and publish stories about it. However, most people with mental illnesses do not commit violent acts and most violent offenders do not suffer from mental illness.

Myth 9: Mental Illness is Only a Chemical Imbalance

It is common for people to believe that all mental illnesses are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This can lead to the mistaken belief that medication can solve all mental health problems. However, a chemical imbalance is not always the cause of the mental health issues. The idea that mental health problems are caused by chemical balances can also contribute to the idea that all mental health problems are permanent and that talk therapy does not work.

Myth 10: Birth Order Determines Personality

A lot of people believe that first born children are more determined and dominant while second children are more likely to experiment and less likely to be conventional and conservative in nature. However, there is actually not evidence that supports this claim.

Myth 11: People are Either Left-Brained or Right-Brained

A lot of people believe that individuals are either left or right brained. Left-brained people are said to be more logical while right-brained people lean towards creativity. However, this is not true, and tasks use the special functions from both sides of the brain simultaneously.

Myth 12: Everybody Has a Preferred Learning Style

This is a common myth in the educational realm, and it states that there are visual learners, auditory learners, and hands-on learners. However, there does not seem to be indication that individuals are one or the other. However, some concepts seem to be better suited for learning in a different style than others.

Myth 13: Opposites Attract

It is common to believe that opposites attract to form lasting relationships. However, this is not the case. The thought behind the myth is that when people have different traits and interests it will balance the relationship and add interest to the couple. The opposite of this myth is actually closer to the truth. We are more drawn to those who share similar interests and values, and similarities can help to foster a successful, long-term relationship.

Myth 14: Bottling up Emotions Can Lead to Damaging Outbursts

There is a common belief that emotional suppression can be harmful and lead to more problems in the future. This contributes to the idea that it is good to vent and let anger out. However, this is not true and venting actually reinforces anger and causes the anger to last longer. It is better to learn to manage your emotions and how to express yourself in a healthy way.

Myth 15: Most People Have a Midlife Crisis

Midlife crises are the root of concern and jokes and it is common to attribute any problems for people in their 40s to a midlife crisis. This leads them to change lifestyles and buy sports cars, motorcycles, and change clothes to younger styles.  The truth is that only a small portion of the population suffers from a midlife crisis and some of the changes in behaviors have to do with other factors like career advancement, older children, and financial freedom.

Final Thoughts About Psychology Myths and Misunderstandings

There is a lot of misinformation that goes around the world in relation to psychology and mental health. These things may be fun to believe but spreading the factual information can help to reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental illness and careers in psychology. Next time you hear one of these myths, try to provide the correct information so that the myth can stop there.