Can you tell the difference between a mental health myth and fact? Learn the truth about the most common mental health myths and information to help destigmatize them. YouMatter works to prevent and treat mental health conditions and provides support for people seeking or already in recovery.
Myth: Mental health problems only affect adults.
Fiction: Mental health challenges affect people of all ages.
Myth: If you feel sad or anxious, something is wrong with you or your body
Fiction: Everyone feels sad or anxious, and it's part of being human.
Myth: Mental health is just as important as physical health
Fact: Mental Health affects your actions, how you think, and also how you feel, just like physical health that affects your body.
Myth: You can usually tell when someone is struggling with their mental health.
Fiction: Many people often hide what they are going through, sometimes even from close friends and family.
Myth: Talking about mental health can help
Fact: Opening up to someone can make people feel less alone and supported.
Myth: Strong people don't get affected by mental health
Fiction: Mental health challenges affect everyone regardless of strength or success
Myth: Mental health challenges or condition is a sign of weakness
Fiction: Most people feel that after they go through a mental health challenge, they feel better than ever.
Myth: Mental health problems will just go away on their own.
Fiction: Mental health challenges often need time, support, or help to improve. Ignoring them can sometimes make things harder.
Myth: Only "serious" problems count as mental health issues.
Fiction: Stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed are also mental health challenges, even if they don't seem extreme.
Myth: If you ask for help, people will judge you.
Fiction: Many people respect honesty, and asking for help often brings support instead of judgment.
Myth: Mental health only affects how you feel.
Fiction: Mental health can affect your thoughts, energy, sleep, focus, and even your physical health.
Myth: You have to deal with mental health problems alone.
Fiction: Support from friends, family, or trusted adults can make a big difference.
Myth: Mental health struggles mean you're failing.
Fiction: Struggling does not mean failure. It means you're human and facing something challenging.
Myth: Being happy all the time means you have good mental health.
Fiction: No one feels happy all the time. Good mental health means being able to handle emotions, not avoiding them.
Myth: Mental health problems are rare.
Fiction: Many people experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives.
Myth: Talking about mental health makes things worse.
Fiction: Talking can help people understand their feelings and feel less alone.
Myth: If someone is smiling, they must be okay.
Fiction: People can look fine on the outside while struggling on the inside.
Myth: Mental health only matters during tough times.
Fact: Mental health matters every day, just like physical health.
Myth: Once you struggle with mental health, it never gets better.
Fiction: Many people learn coping skills, get support, and feel better over time.
Myth: Getting help means you're weak.
Fiction: Getting help shows strength, awareness, and courage.