Devin Dornbrock I am not a psychologist or a psychiatrist. However, I have worked with several organizations to promote mental health literacy. That includes making resources more available and working to destigmatize talking about mental health as well. For so long, it felt like a scary conversation to have. It was easy to assume the worst about others and even yourself whenever the topic of mental health came up. Which is why I want to debunk some of the myths about mental health.
Myth #1: “Therapy is only for crazy people.”
When I was about 13, I went through a really rough time in school. I won’t rehash any past traumas, but let’s just say it was tough enough that I ended up in 3 different schools in as many years. I had a hard time handling everything going on, and my parents suggested I see a therapist.
The suggestion sent me into a spiral, bordering on a panic attack, because my adolescent teen brain was convinced that only crazy people need therapy. I was having a hard time, but I wasn’t crazy, so I obviously didn’t need therapy either.
As an adult, I wish I had taken my parents up on their suggestion. Therapy is not only for “crazy” people.
Therapy can do a lot of good, and the right therapist can help you learn so much. They can help you learn to cope if you are struggling with mental illness, yes, but they can also help you learn more about yourself and help you understand how healthy relationships work—relationships with your family, relationships with your friends, and your relationship with yourself.
Myth #2: “You’re too young to be dealing with…”
I’ll be honest. I wish this mental health myth were true. I wish there were a countdown to when we’re not “too young” to be dealing with things, and we knew we would be “safe” until then. That’s not how the world works, though. And that’s definitely not how mental health works.
You’re never “too young” to be dealing with mental health struggles. According to the CDC, suicide has been one of the leading causes of death in the US for 10-34 years.
Age is not the deciding factor of whether or not someone is struggling with their mental health. Assuming someone is “too young” to have problems is dismissive and insulting. It also makes it harder for that person, especially a child, to open up to others and get the help they need.
Even IF someone isn’t dealing with the problem they think they are, no good comes from brushing off their concerns.
Myth #3: “You have nothing to be depressed about.”
The funny thing about depression (or anxiety, or any other condition) is that it doesn’t care whether you have “something” or “nothing”.
Our brains will find something to fixate on and worry about if it wants to. Mental health conditions like depression don’t care that your life is seemingly perfect. The environment can influence your mental health for sure, but it isn’t the only factor.
There are plenty of successful people who lead seemingly amazing lives who struggle with depression. WebMD even put together a list of prominent celebrities who have openly talked about their struggles with depression.
You can have everything going for you and still struggle. Knowing that can be a bit of a comfort, though. You shouldn’t have to measure your pain against someone else’s just to say that it still hurts.
Myth #4: “I won’t be myself on meds.”
There is a pretty common stereotype that if you try any sort of medication to help with depression, it will affect who you are as a person. There is a fear that you won’t be you anymore.
Medication isn’t a magic pill. It usually doesn’t work overnight, and it won’t turn you into a completely different person. You’ll still be you, but it can help you manage your mental health condition. In many cases, mental health conditions can create periods of “highs” and “lows”. With the right medications, you can even things out a little to make the “highs” a little less high and the “lows” a little less low.
That being said, there are plenty of cases where people didn’t react well to their medication. It is vital that you speak openly and honestly with your doctor if you are considering medication. It may also take time to find the right one for you. It’s not so different from getting a pair of glasses.
There’s nothing wrong with someone getting a pair of glasses to help them see. In this case, it can just be a bit harder to find the right prescription for their specific needs.
Myth #5: “You don’t act like you’re depressed.”
This myth about mental health feels like one of the most common responses. If you ask someone what depression looks like, they would probably describe someone who is lethargic, disconnected, and unable to smile. To be fair, sometimes depression does look like that. But not all the time.
Depression can have bad days where it’s tough to get out of bed or even do much more than continue breathing. It can also have good days where it’s easier to act “normal”. On those days, it’s not as hard to smile, act bubbly, and pretend everything is fine. Smiling is not a cure for depression. Having a good day doesn’t mean the bad ones never existed.
Understanding mental health, knowing what is fact and what is just a myth, can help. Knowing what you’re up against can make things a little less scary.
To learn more about mental health and what may be available in your area, check out our list of mental health resources. The National Alliance on Mental Health (aka NAMI) also has a ton of information and help available.
You don’t have to struggle on your own.
