5 Myths About Mental Health and the Truth Behind Them
CELEBRATING WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Every year on October 10, the world comes together to celebrate World Mental Health Day — a reminder that mental well-being is a universal human right. It’s a day to start conversations, show compassion, and challenge the stigma that still surrounds mental health.
Despite progress in recent years, many people still hold misconceptions about what mental health really means and what seeking help looks like. These myths can stop people from getting the support they need — and from realising that they are not alone.
Let’s take a moment this World Mental Health Day to set the record straight.
Myth 1: “Therapy is only for people with serious problems.”
The truth: Therapy isn’t just for moments of crisis — it’s also for growth, reflection, and prevention. Just like you don’t wait until you’re physically sick to eat well or exercise, you don’t need to be in deep distress to benefit from therapy. Counselling can help you understand yourself better, build resilience, and navigate everyday stress before it becomes overwhelming.
Myth 2: “Mental illness is a sign of weakness.”
The truth: Experiencing mental health challenges has nothing to do with strength or character. Struggling doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human. In fact, acknowledging that you need help and reaching out for support is one of the bravest things you can do. Strength isn’t about staying silent through pain; it’s about facing it with honesty and courage.
Myth 3: “You can just ‘snap out of’ anxiety or depression.”
The truth: Mental health conditions are not simply a matter of willpower. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles are complex — involving biological, psychological, and social factors. While mindset and habits play a role in healing, recovery also requires compassion, support, and sometimes professional treatment. It’s not about “snapping out of it”; it’s about finding the tools that help you heal.
Myth 4: “Talking about mental health makes things worse.”
The truth: Silence is what causes harm — not conversation. When we talk openly about mental health, we break the shame and make it easier for others to seek help. Honest conversations foster understanding, connection, and community — which are all protective factors for mental well-being.
Myth 5: “Once you struggle with your mental health, you’ll never get better.”
The truth: Healing is possible. With the right support, tools, and time, people can and do recover. Mental health is not a fixed state — it’s something that ebbs and flows. Everyone has the capacity to heal, grow, and build resilience. Recovery might look different for each person, but hope is always within reach.
This World Mental Health Day, Let’s Break the Myths Together
When we replace myths with truth, we replace judgment with empathy. Let’s continue building a world where conversations about mental health are met with compassion, not shame — where getting help is seen as strength, not stigma. Because everyone deserves the right to mental well-being — today, and every day.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. At TASE Psychology Centre, we believe mental health support should be accessible, safe, and stigma-free. Let’s take the next step toward healing, together.
