We have all seen or met someone who looks like they are tired all the time. Rumors say that, “She’s just lazy.” or “He can’t handle pressure.” But the truth is, they are likely battling depression.
People tell them that they just need to “cheer up.” That’s one of the biggest mental health myths out there.
And here’s the thing: those myths aren’t just harmless misunderstandings. They can keep people from reaching out for help, or worse, make them feel ashamed of what they’re going through. According to the American Psychiatric Association, stigma and myths about mental health are still some of the main reasons people avoid treatment, even when they need it most.
In this post, we’ll break down five common myths about mental health, show you the real facts, and hopefully make it easier for you or someone you care about, to see things differently.
Myth 1: Mental Health Struggles Are a Sign of Weakness
When Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, opened up about his depression, many people were shocked.
How could someone so strong, so successful, struggle with mental health? That’s the thing: mental illnesses don’t care how tough, talented or disciplined you are.
The reality is that mental health conditions are medical issues, not character flaws. Anxiety, depression, and other disorders happen because of a mix of factors like genetics, brain chemistry, and environment, not because someone is “too weak.”
In fact, research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. That includes teachers, athletes, CEOs, parents and people from every walk of life.
So the next time you hear someone say “just toughen up,” remember: seeking help takes courage. It takes real strength.
Myth 2: Therapy Is Only for People with Serious Mental Illness
“I don’t need therapy. I’m not crazy.” People who say things like this believe that therapy is only for people with diagnoses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. That belief keeps them from getting the support that could make their life a whole lot easier.
Therapy isn’t just for “serious” cases. It can help anyone, whether you’re stressed at work, navigating a big life change, or just feeling stuck. Think of it like going to the gym. You don’t wait until you’re completely out of shape or facing a health crisis before you exercise. You go to stay strong and healthy. Therapy works the same way for your mental and emotional health.
And the research backs this up. Studies show that people in therapy report improved coping skills, better relationships, and higher life satisfaction even if they don’t have a diagnosed mental illness.
Therapy is for anyone who wants to live better, not just those in crisis.
Myth 3: People with Mental Health Issues Are Dangerous or Violent
When a violent crime makes headlines, the media often rushes to suggest the person had “mental health issues.” It’s no wonder people start to believe the stereotype.
Most people don’t feel safe living near someone who was open about having schizophrenia, even though they could be the kindest, most soft-spoken people.
This mental health myth couldn’t be further from the truth. People with mental health challenges are actually more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. A large study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that individuals with mental illness were nearly three times more likely to experience violent crime compared to the general population.
Yes, there are rare cases where violence and mental illness overlap, but those are exceptions, not the rule. Believing this myth fuels stigma, discrimination, and fear, which only makes it harder for people to seek the support they need.
Myth 4: You Can “Snap Out of” Mental Illness by Trying Harder
“Just think positive, you’ll be fine.” A patient of ours heard this whenever she mentioned her depression. She tried everything; smiling through classes, keeping busy, even forcing herself to join parties. But none of it worked. Instead of feeling better, she ended up feeling guilty, like she was failing at something everyone else thought was easy.
Mental illness is not a mindset problem or a lack of willpower. You can’t simply “snap out of it” by pushing yourself harder. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder often involve changes in brain chemistry, genetics, and life experiences which means they require real treatment from qualified professionals.
The World Health Organization notes that depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 280 million people and effective treatment often includes therapy, medication, or both. Just like you wouldn’t tell someone with asthma to “breathe harder,” it doesn’t make sense to tell someone with depression or anxiety to just “try harder.”
Professional help, support systems, and evidence-based treatments make recovery possible, not sheer willpower alone.
Myth 5: Mental Health Treatments Don’t Work or Change Who You Are
When our doctor first prescribed antidepressants to a patient, she hesitated for weeks before starting them. “What if they change my personality? What if I don’t feel like myself anymore?” she worried. What she discovered was the opposite. The treatment didn’t erase who she was, it helped her feel more like herself again.
Mental health treatments, whether therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, are designed to help people manage symptoms and get back to living fully. They don’t “erase” your personality or make you someone else. Instead, they help reduce the weight of depression, anxiety, or other conditions so that your true self can come through.
Treatment doesn’t change who you are. It gives you the chance to live more freely, without mental illness holding you back.
In Conclusion: Breaking Free from Mental Health Myths
Myths about mental health might seem small, but they carry big consequences. They fuel stigma, create shame, and keep people from getting the care they deserve.
The truth is simple: mental health struggles are not a weakness, therapy is for everyone, people with mental illness are not “dangerous,” you can’t just snap out of it, and treatments do work.
When we replace mental health myths with facts, we make space for compassion, understanding, and healing. And maybe most importantly, we remind people that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s one of the bravest steps you can take.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, know that help is out there. At Kalamazoo TMS & Behavioral Health, we provide evidence-based treatments like TMS therapy, Spravato®, and personalized psychiatric care to help people move forward.
Take the First Step Today
Your mental health matter and you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact Kalamazoo TMS & Behavioral Health to learn more about treatments that work and start your journey toward feeling better.
