Myth vs fact
There are many misconceptions about mental health. Misunderstandings fuel stigma, prevent people from seeking care, and harbors unnecessary fear and shame. Here we provide science and lived experience to debunk common myths that create barriers to mental healthcare. Begin your journey in understanding mental health for yourself, a loved one, or your community by replacing stigma with support.
Check your knowledge
-
myth
✺
Mental health conditions are uncommon.
-
fact
✺
More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with mental illness. That’s over 23.1% of the U.S. population, or 59.3 million people.
-
myth
✺
Children are too young to have mental health problems.
-
fact
✺
An estimated 8 million children ranging from ages 3 to 17 experience mental illness. Over half of all children develop symptoms before age 14.
-
myth
✺
People who have addictions are just lazy. If they wanted to stop, or tried harder, they would.
-
fact
✺
Repeated substance use can alter the brain causing changes that lead to extremely powerful and intense cravings and compulsions, which can make quitting incredibly difficult even by choice.
-
myth
✺
Talking about suicide encourages people to attempt it.
-
fact
✺
Open conversations around suicide help get individuals the support they need and reduces stigma.
-
myth
✺
People with mental conditions are violent.
-
fact
✺
Individuals with mental health conditions are 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crimes than they are to commit them.
-
myth
✺
Therapy does not do anything; it’s venting to a stranger.
-
fact
✺
Research shows therapy effectively changes negative thoughts patterns, behaviors, and emotions. It is scientifically proven to improve mental health through various techniques.
-
myth
✺
Mental illness only affects some cultures or populations, while others are immune to it.
-
fact
✺
Mental health conditions are prevalent across all cultures, although how they are expressed and perceived varies. No one is exempt.
What to say
What are the signs?
Mental health warning signs can include persistent sadness, mood swings, intense anger, or anxiety. Individuals may withdraw from others, lose interest in activities, or experience changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels. Other signs include declining school or work performance, hyperactivity, substance use, or avoiding responsibilities. In more severe cases, symptoms may involve hallucinations or thoughts of death, self-harm, or harming others. These signs can vary from person to person.
How do I ask?
Talking about mental health with a friend starts by creating a safe, judgment-free space. Keep the tone casual and compassionate. Sometimes a simple “Are you okay?” is all that’s needed to start a conversation. Don’t take it personally if they’re not ready to talk. Show that you care, take them seriously, keep their trust, and let them know you’re there—now and later.
While it’s important not to spread gossip about peoples mental wellbeing, it is crucial to reach out to emergency services if someone shares plans to harm themselves or others. Being a good friend includes speaking up for your friends in need.
How do I listen?
Listen without interrupting, and avoid giving advice. You don’t have to have the answers. Simples phrases like“That sounds really tough,” or “I’m really glad you told me.” show that you’re hearing them, not judging or forcing solutions on them. Be calm and present. Offer empathy, encouragement, and let them know it’s not their fault.
Mental Health Matters
Mental Health Matters
✺ The more you know ✺
-
Mental health screening tools can be a quick and easy way to help you figure out if you are experiencing symptoms.
Remember: While these tools are useful, they never replace the knowledge, care, or assessment of health care professionals.
-
This can be simple as reaching out to a friend or loved one with a text message saying you have some things on your mind. This can be done for those concerned about others or for those wishing to open up to someone else about their own mental health.
-
Using person-first language helps reduce stigma and show respect. It puts the person before the diagnosis. Avoid terms like “crazy,” "nuts,"or “addict,” which can be hurtful and dehumanizing. Instead use terms like "a person with bipolar disorder" rather than "they are bipolar." The way we talk about mental health shapes how people feel about themselves and how they’re treated by others.
-
When someone opens up about their mental health, what they need most is empathy and understanding—not sympathy or pity. Saying things like “I feel so bad for you” may come from a kind place, but it can make them feel ashamed or disempowered. Support may sounds like “That sounds really hard. I’m here for you" or "How can I support you?" Be present without minimizing.
-
Saying things like “I’m sure it’s nothing,” or “It’s all in your head” can feel dismissive and may prevent them from opening up again. Don’t make jokes or minimize their experience. Even if someone appears okay on the outside, you never truly know what they are dealing with on the inside. Do not make assumptions. Provide a safe space for them to share.
-
If you’re not ready to speak face-to-face, opening up can begin with a phone call, text, or message.
If you’re unsure what to say you can use a guide. Use the outlined letter and fill in the blanks, highlight options, or replace your own words and send. Copy and paste.
Dear _________,
For the past(day/week/month/year/__________),I have been feeling (unlike myself/sad/angry/anxious/ moody/agitated/lonely/hopeless/fearful/overwhelmed/ distracted/confused/stressed/empty/restless/unable to function or get out of bed/__________).
I have struggled with (changes in appetite/changes in weight/loss of interest in things I used to enjoy/ hearing things that were not there/seeing things that were not there/ feeling unsure if things are real or not real/ my brain playing tricks on me/ lack of energy/increased energy/ inability to concentrate/alcohol or drug use or abuse/self-harm/skipping meals/overeating/overwhelming focus on weight or appearance/feeling worthless/ uncontrollable thoughts/guilt/paranoia/nightmares/ bullying/not sleeping enough/ sleeping too much/risky sexual behavior/overwhelming sadness/losing friends/unhealthy friendships/unexplained anger or rage/isolation/ feeling detached from my body/feeling out of control/ thoughts of self-harm/cutting/thoughts of suicide/plans of suicide/abuse/sexual assault/death of a loved one/__________).
Telling you this makes me feel (nervous/anxious/hopeful/embarrassed/ empowered/pro-active/mature/self-conscious/guilty/__________), but I’m telling you this because (I’m worried about myself/it is impacting my schoolwork/it is impacting my friendships/I am afraid/I don’t want to feel like this/I don’t know what to do/I don’t have anyone else to talk to about this/I trust you/__________).
I would like to (talk to a doctor or therapist/talk to a guidance counselor/talk to my teachers/talk about this later/create a plan to get better/talk about this more/find a support group/__________) and I need your help.
Sincerely,
(Your name__________)Sources: https://mhanational.org/time-talk-tips-talking-about-your-mental-healt