Despite increased awareness and more open conversations around mental health in recent years, harmful myths and misconceptions still persist. These myths not only perpetuate stigma but can also prevent people from seeking the help and support they need.
In reality, mental health is just as vital as physical health and just as complex. Yet many of us are still influenced by outdated beliefs that lead to misunderstanding, judgement, and silence.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common mental health myths you should stop believing, and the truths that everyone should know instead.
Myth 1: Mental health problems are rare
Truth: Mental health issues are incredibly common
One of the biggest misconceptions is that mental illness only affects a small group of people. In truth, mental health problems are widespread and affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
According to Mind, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders are more prevalent than many realise especially given how often they go unreported or undiagnosed.
Just because someone appears fine on the outside doesn't mean they aren’t struggling. Mental health challenges are often invisible, and assuming they’re rare only contributes to shame and isolation.
Myth 2: Mental illness is a sign of weakness
Truth: Mental illness has nothing to do with strength or character
This harmful myth suggests that people with mental health struggles are somehow “weak” or “not trying hard enough”. In reality, mental illness is not a character flaw. It’s a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors none of which are a person’s fault.
Living with a mental health condition often requires immense strength, resilience, and courage especially in the face of misunderstanding, stigma, and daily challenges.
Seeking help is not a weakness. It’s an act of bravery and self-awareness.
Myth 3: You can just ‘snap out of it’
Truth: Mental health conditions are not something you can simply choose to stop
Phrases like “pull yourself together” or “think positive” may be well-meaning, but they’re deeply unhelpful. Mental illness is not a mindset that can be turned on or off at will. Just as you wouldn’t expect someone with a broken leg to “walk it off”, you shouldn’t expect someone with depression or anxiety to simply “snap out of it”.
Recovery takes time, support, and in many cases, professional intervention. Suggesting otherwise invalidates the real struggle people face and discourages them from opening up.
Myth 4: Therapy is only for people with serious problems
Truth: Anyone can benefit from therapy even if they’re not in crisis
There’s a common belief that therapy is only for people at rock bottom, or for those with diagnosed mental health disorders. In reality, therapy can be helpful for a wide range of issues, including:
- Stress management
- Relationship difficulties
- Low self-esteem
- Life transitions
- Personal growth and self-awareness
You don’t have to wait until things get really bad to seek support. Therapy is a proactive way to improve your mental wellbeing just like exercise is for physical health.
Myth 5: Mental illness isn’t a ‘real’ illness
Truth: Mental illnesses are real medical conditions
This myth is especially damaging. Mental health conditions are not imaginary, made up, or simply the result of a bad attitude. They are legitimate medical diagnoses, often involving biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics, and hormonal changes.
Many mental illnesses are recognised by medical bodies such as the NHS, World Health Organisation (WHO) and American Psychiatric Association. They can be just as debilitating and sometimes even life-threatening as physical illnesses.
It’s crucial we treat mental health with the same seriousness and compassion we give to physical conditions.
Myth 6: People with mental illness are dangerous or violent
Truth: Most people with mental health problems are not violent
Media portrayals often sensationalise mental illness, reinforcing stereotypes that link mental health issues with violence or unpredictability. This contributes to stigma and fear.
In reality, people with mental health conditions are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. The vast majority of those living with mental illness pose no danger to others and are more often struggling with self-harm, isolation, or discrimination.
Equating mental illness with violence does a great disservice to the millions of people who are working hard to manage their conditions.
Myth 7: Children and teens don’t experience mental health issues
Truth: Mental health challenges can begin early in life
It’s a common myth that mental health problems only affect adults. But children and teenagers can — and do — experience mental health challenges. In fact, around 1 in 6 young people in the UK aged 5 to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health disorder in recent surveys.
Early signs might include changes in behaviour, mood, sleep, academic performance, or appetite. Recognising and addressing these issues early can make a huge difference in a young person’s long-term wellbeing.
We must listen to young people, take their concerns seriously, and provide the right support without judgement.
Myth 8: Medication is a ‘quick fix’ or a cop-out
Truth: Medication can be a valid and necessary part of treatment
There is still a lot of stigma surrounding the use of medication for mental health conditions, often fuelled by the idea that it's an “easy way out”. But for many people, medication is a crucial part of managing their condition just as insulin is for diabetes or inhalers are for asthma.
Medication doesn’t work the same for everyone, and it’s not the only solution. But dismissing it outright ignores the reality of many people’s lived experiences. When prescribed and monitored appropriately, medication can be life-changing even life saving.
Myth 9: You can always tell if someone has a mental illness
Truth: Mental health struggles often go unnoticed
Not all mental health conditions are visible. Some people appear cheerful, productive, and high-functioning on the outside, while battling immense pain internally.
This is why phrases like “but you don’t look depressed” are so unhelpful. They reinforce the idea that there’s a “right” way to be mentally ill, and they discourage people from seeking help unless their suffering is obvious to others.
Mental health is not always what you see. Always approach others with empathy and understanding not assumptions.
Myth 10: Talking about mental health makes things worse
Truth: Talking can be the first step to healing
Some people fear that talking about mental health — especially topics like depression or suicide — will encourage negativity or worsen someone’s condition. But the opposite is often true.
Opening up a conversation about mental health can be a lifeline. It helps people feel less alone, validates their experiences, and gives them permission to seek help. Avoiding these conversations only strengthens silence and stigma.
By creating safe spaces to talk openly, we break down barriers and foster a culture of care and compassion.
Breaking the Myths, Building Understanding
Mental health myths are more than just misinformation — they’re obstacles. They delay diagnosis, prevent healing, and isolate those who are suffering. The more we challenge these myths, the more we create a world where it’s safe to be honest, vulnerable, and human.
Here’s what we all can do:
- Educate ourselves and others
- Listen without judgement
- Challenge stereotypes when we hear them
- Support those around us — even if we can’t “see” their struggles
- Treat mental health with the same respect as physical health
Mental illness does not define a person. It does not mean failure, weakness, or shame. It is one part of a person’s journey — and with the right support, understanding, and compassion, recovery and thriving are absolutely possible.