Trigger Warning:
This blog post discusses topics related to mental health, including self-harm and suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. Please take care while reading and prioritize your well-being. If you find any of the content triggering, consider reaching out to someone you trust or using the resources listed throughout this post for support.
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health has become an increasingly important topic, especially among teens. However, many misconceptions and myths persist, leading to stigma and misunderstanding. In this post, we’ll debunk some of the most common mental health myths that teens may encounter and provide clarity on these critical issues.
Mental Health Myth #1: Mental health concerns only effect adults
Mental health concerns are not just applicable to adults. While it is common to think that young people are carefree, the reality is that many mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and ADHD, present themselves first in childhood and adolescence. Studies show that 1 in 7 teens experience some sort of mental health disorder. Recognizing the signs is key to ensure that you can address them sooner. This ensures that you are better equipped to manage them throughout life.
Mental Health Myth #2: Asking for help means you’re weak
In today’s society, there is often an unspoken pressure to “tough it out” or “deal with it on your own”, but mental health is just as important as physical health. No one would consider you weak for getting medical attention for a broken arm, so why would it be any different for your mental well-being? In reality, asking for help shows a lot of strength and resilience. Despite how helpful it is to ask for help, it can be an incredibly difficult thing to do. It is brave to acknowledge when something feels off and to seek out the right resources such as talking to a trusted adult, friend, or therapist.
Mental Healthy Myth #3: You can just “snap out of it”
Mental health challenges are not something that simply just go away. Just like you can’t wish away a physical illness, conditions such as depression, anxiety and trauma often require proper care and treatment. Telling someone to “snap out of it” is dismissive and harmful, as it invalidates their experiences and can make them feel even more isolated. Mental health recovery involves a combination of therapy, support systems, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication. Often times, this combination will look different for each individual person.
Mental Health Myth #4: Therapy is only for people with serious mental health concerns
Therapy is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to improve their mental and emotional health, not just for those with diagnosed conditions. It can help with everyday stress, improving self-esteem, navigating relationships, and dealing with transitions like starting a new school. Young people can benefit from therapy as a safe space to express themselves and build coping skills. There is no need to wait for a crisis to talk to a therapist - early intervention can prevent bigger issues down the road.
Mental Health Myth #5: People with mental health issues are just seeking attention
This myth can be especially harmful as it discourages people from opening up about their struggles. Mental health challenges are real and valid, and dismissing someone’s experience as “attention-seeking” undermines their need for support. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other issues, invalidating their feelings, further isolates that individual. It is important to listen, offer support, and encourage them to seek help without judgement.
Mental Health Myth #6: Only girls struggle with mental health
This stereotype is very damaging to boys and young men, leading to a culture of silence around their mental health needs. Boys are often taught to suppress their emotions and “man up”, which can lead to untreated mental health conditions. The truth is that boys experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions just as much as girls. Encouraging boys to express their emotions and seek help breaks the stigma and leads to healthier outcomes for everyone.
Mental Health Myth #7: Medication changes your personality
It is a common misconception that taking medication for mental health can turn you into a different person. When prescribed appropriately, medication helps balance brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms allowing you to feel more like yourself. Mental health medication isn’t about numbing feelings or changing who you are - it is about giving your brain the support it needs to function better. For some, medication alongside therapy can be life-changing.
Mental Health Myth #8: Self-harm is just a phase or a cry for help
Self-harm is often misunderstood as an attention seeking behaviour, but it is usually a sign of deeper emotional distress. Many young people self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings of sadness, anger, or numbness. It’s not something to be dismissed as a phase, and those who self-harm need professional support to address the underlying issues during their behaviour. Compassion, not judgement is crucial when dealing with self-harm .
Mental Health Myth #9: Talking about suicide will make someone more likely to do it
Many people believe that bringing up suicide will plant the idea in someone’s head, but research shows the opposite, talking about suicide provides an opportunity for intervention and support. If someone is thinking about suicide, they often feel alone or misunderstood. By asking them directly if they are feeling suicidal, you give them a chance to open up and seek help. Its crucial to take every mention of suicide seriously and guide them toward professional help immediately.
Disclaimer:
If you or someone you know is engaging in self-harm or having thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone. These are serious issues, and support is available. Reaching out for help can make a world of difference. Below are resources where you can get immediate assistance:
Here 24/7: 1-844-437-3247
Suicide Hotline: 988
If you're in immediate danger, please call emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room. It’s important to take these feelings seriously and seek professional support
Mental Health Myth #10: If your friends or family don’t understand, you shouldn’t bother getting help
Just because friends and family may not fully understand your struggles, that doesn’t mean you should keep your pain to yourself. Mental health professionals like counsellors, therapists, and hotlines exist to offer the support and understanding you may not find in your immediate circle. You don’t need to suffer in silence or wait for others to understood —getting help from professionals is always an option, and its vital step toward healing.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is crucial to challenge these myths that create stigma and prevent young people from getting the support they need. By debunking these common misconceptions, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment where it is okay to talk about struggles, seek support, and take care of ourselves emotionally and mentally. If you are dealing with any mental health challenges, remember that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. You are not alone, and there are resources available to help you on your journey to wellness. Let's continue to have open conversations about mental health and support one another in breaking down these harmful myths.
more resources:
Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Youth Mental Health Canada: https://ymhc.ngo/
Children's Mental Health Canada: https://cmho.org/youth-resources/
Statistics for this post were pulled from the following sources:
Comentários