Breaking the Stigma: Common Myths about Mental Health and Therapy

Throughout the past decade, mental health has been a very common topic of conversation yet many misconceptions and myths prevent individuals from seeking help and support. Mental Health stigmas can create feelings of shame, fear, embarrassment, and make it harder to have access to therapeutic services. Being aware of the stigmas and myths is extremely important as they can act as barriers to support. Understanding the facts rather than the myths about mental health can empower people to make informed decisions about their mental health. 

What is Mental Health Stigma? 

Mental Health stigma can be defined as negative beliefs, stereotypes, or judgements about individuals who experience mental illness or go to therapy. Stigma can be present in many of our day to day environments including social circles, family members, cultural backgrounds, workplaces, and even within ourselves. The impact of this stigma can entail isolation, silence, delayed treatment, and worsening mental health. 

Myth #1: Therapy Is Only for People With Serious Mental Illness

One of the most common misconceptions is that therapy is only used for individuals who are in crisis, have suicidal thinking, or have an already diagnosed mental illness. This creates another barrier to taking the step of reaching out for mental health support.

The Truth: Therapy can benefit any individual, family, or couple facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, school concerns, parenting support, or personal growth goals. Many people seek counseling to proactively improve their emotional well-being. 

Myth #2: Seeking Help Is a Sign of Weakness 

Due to messages we grow up with throughout our lives, we might notice that seeking mental health support means that we are weak or something is “wrong” with us. Some people may also believe if they cannot deal with things on their own, then they are weak. 

The Truth: Seeking support oftentimes takes courage, self-awareness, and vulnerability. Being vulnerable and open is an extreme sign of strength. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, tools, coping skills, and help individuals not feel so alone. 

Myth #3: Children Don’t Need Therapy 

Many adults assume that children are too young to experience any kind of emotional distress or challenging experience. 

The Truth: Children experience anxiety, grief, trauma, family stress, school challenges, and life transitions. Child therapy can help children learn and develop skills to help process difficult emotions and experiences in an age-appropriate way. 

Myth #4: Talking About Problems Make Them Worst

Some people worry that talking about difficult emotions will increase them.

The Truth: Talking about uncomfortable emotions can be extremely difficult; however, research consistently shows that processing emotions in a safe and supportive environment can reduce distress, improve skills, and can create change. Therapy can provide a comfortable and structured space to explore emotions and collaborate on helpful strategies.

Myth #5: Good Parents Should Be Able to Fix Everything

Parents frequently carry the weight of believing that reaching out for support means that they have failed.

The Truth: Parenting is extremely complicated and not commonly easy. Seeking mental health support can help demonstrate commitment to a child’s emotional and mental well-being. Family therapy, parent support, and child therapy can provide additional tools during difficult experiences. 

How We Can Reduce Mental Health Stigma 

• Find mental health professionals in your area who are accessible and feel safe.

• Speak openly about mental health to others in your area. 

• Challenging stereotypes when they arise. 

• Encourage help-seeking behavior if someone in your life is struggling.

• Treat mental health as important as physical health. 

• Model self-care and emotional awareness to others in your life. 

It can be extremely challenging to question and speak out against mental health stigmas. The more we challenge myths and stigmas, the easier it is for others to have increased accessibility to mental health care they deserve. Mental health challenges are

not a character defining flaw, fai

lure, or something to hold alone. Seeking professional support creates opportunity towards growth, healing, resilience, and tools.

Lena Tello, LMHC-A, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate who is passionate about anxiety therapy, trauma, and grief counseling. Interested in an appointment? Call 360-841-5002.