Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Mental Health Myths

Mental health is a core part of our well-being—yet, for too long, it has been greeted with silence, shame, and myths. As a therapist, I have the privilege to walk with people as they navigate discovering their innerworlds. But too frequently, I witness how pervasive myths about mental health keep individuals from receiving the care they’re entitled to.

Let’s take a moment to look at some of the most common myths—and discover the truth that can set us free.

Myth #1: “Mental health problems are a sign of weakness.”

This is probably the most hurtful and long-lasting myth that I encounter. Fending off anxiety, depression, trauma, or any mental illness isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re human. The way that our bodies can become ill or injured, so too can our minds. Resilience isn’t about ignoring that it exists, but in facing our suffering and choosing to work through it.

Myth #2: “Therapy is only for people with serious problems.”

Therapy isn’t an emergency intervention; it’s developmental. Don’t wait until you’re at your breaking point to get some help. Many actually seek out therapy in order to better understand themselves, to improve relationships, or to deal with changes in life. Consider it emotional maintenance—not crisis repair.

Myth #3: “Talking about mental health makes things worse.”

Avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the feelings go away—it pushes them deeper, often making them harder to manage. Talking openly about mental health creates connection, reduces isolation, and can be profoundly healing. There is power in saying out loud, “I’m not okay right now,” and having someone respond with compassion instead of judgment.

Myth #4: “People with mental illness are dangerous or unpredictable.”

This myth has been fueled by sensationalized and unrealistic mediaportrayals. In fact, people with mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violence than to commit it. They are neighbors, co-workers, friends—people who are struggling with a health condition just like anyone else.

Myth #5: “If I take medication, it means I’ve failed.”

Taking medication for your mental illness is just as normal as taking insulin for diabetes or glasses to fix eyes. It’s not morally failing; it’s a tool—one of many—that can help in keeping your health going. Healing takes different paths for everyone, and needing assistance in whatever way doesn’t make your healing any less. 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Breaking the stigma of mental illness begins with courage, curiosity, and compassion. It begins with conversations like these, where we trade myths for fact and judgment for insight.

If you have been living in shame, fear, or silence about your mental health, know this: you are not alone. You can heal. You can seek help. Asking for help is not a sign that there’s something wrong with you—it’s a sign that you are loved enough to take care of your mind the way that you care about your body.

Let’s continue to push back against stigma, together, one honest conversation at a time.

If you would like to see how we can help, book a FREE 10 minute intake call here: Contact – Psychotherapist, Marriage Counselor, LMFT: NYC, Manhattan (embracingjoy.com)