Myths & Misconceptions
True or False: Mental illness is rare.
False (1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year in the U.S. -- this is 50 million people total)
Who can be affected by mental illness?
Anyone (any age, race, gender, or background)
What can therapy help with besides severe problems?
Everyday stress, relationships, and personal growth
Why is casually saying “She’s so bipolar” harmful?
It reduces a person to their diagnosis; changing your moods/emotions doesn't mean you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Can children have mental health issues?
Yes (they’re often overlooked)
True or False: Therapy is only for people with severe problems.
False
What role can medication play in mental health treatment?
It helps manage conditions alongside therapy and lifestyle change
What does it mean that mental health care is a human right?
Everyone deserves access to support
What’s wrong with saying “He’s psycho”?
It’s stigmatizing and dismissive
Is depression just sadness? Why?
No (it affects mood, energy, sleep, and functioning)
Can someone “snap out of” mental illness?
No (it requires support and treatment)
How does mental health affect physical health?
It impacts sleep, immunity, heart health, and more
What is a reason people don’t seek help?
Stigma — negative stereotypes
Why is casually saying “I’m totally OCD about this” misleading?
OCD is a serious disorder, not just a preference for neatness
Is anxiety just worrying too much? Why?
No (it involves intense, persistent fear or worry)
Why do you think myths about mental illness continue to spread, even when we have access to accurate information?
Myths about mental illness continue to spread because of stigma, fear, and misunderstanding.
People may rely on outdated beliefs, cultural stereotypes, or media portrayals that reinforce false ideas.
Mental health is often invisible, which makes it easier for myths to persist — especially when open conversations are avoided or discouraged.
How do culture and identity shape mental health?
They influence experiences and access to care
How does mental health affect academic performance?
It can impact focus, memory, and motivation
Why is saying “Just cheer up” not helpful?
It oversimplifies and invalidates real struggles
Do people with schizophrenia have split personalities?
No (it involves delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking)
What’s a better way to understand the causes of mental illness than calling it a weakness?
Mental illness is shaped by complex factors like genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, and environment — not by someone’s willpower or character. It's influenced by genetics, biology, trauma, and environment
What does it mean that mental health conditions can be invisible?
They involve biological and neurological changes, not just emotions
How can you support someone struggling with mental illness?
Be open, honest, and nonjudgmental — offer support, not shame
What’s a better way to respond than “Can’t you snap out of it?”
“I’m here for you"
"How can I support you?”
or “Have you talked to someone about this?”
True or False: Talking openly about suicide increases the risk that someone will act on it.
Why?
False (open, honest conversations can reduce risk and help people feel supported)