Core Viewpoint - The article addresses common misconceptions about psychiatry and mental health, emphasizing that mental disorders are a broad category encompassing various conditions beyond just schizophrenia, and that seeking help is a normal and necessary step towards recovery [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Misconceptions about Mental Health - Misconception 1: Mental illness is synonymous with schizophrenia, while in reality, it includes a wide range of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, with schizophrenia being a rare condition at a lifetime prevalence of only 0.6% in China [3] - Misconception 2: Mental illness is a sign of personal weakness; however, it is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, and is linked to brain function abnormalities [4] - Misconception 3: Seeking psychiatric help is shameful; in fact, millions globally seek mental health services, and it is becoming a common health management choice [5][6] - Misconception 4: Only those who have experienced significant trauma develop mental illness; many patients have no history of major stressors, as biological factors often play a more significant role [7] - Misconception 5: Only introverted individuals suffer from depression; in reality, various factors contribute to mental illness, and both introverted and extroverted individuals can be affected [8] - Misconception 6: Depression is merely feeling sad; clinically, it is a serious disorder characterized by persistent low mood and can lead to severe consequences if untreated [9] - Misconception 7: Psychologists and psychiatrists are the same; they have different training and roles, with psychiatrists being medical doctors who can prescribe medication [10][11] - Misconception 8: Psychiatrists only prescribe medication; their role includes comprehensive diagnosis, treatment planning, and the potential for psychological therapy [12]