Mental Health Myths vs. Facts
Mental health problems are rare and only affect a small percentage of people.
What is a myth? (Mental health problems are common—one in four people will experience them in any given year.)
This is the most common mental health condition in many countries, affecting ~19–30% of adults at some point.
What is anxiety (disorder)?
Feeling persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite or sleep for at least two weeks are hallmark signs of this condition.
What is depression (or major depressive disorder)?
This simple breathing technique (inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4) can quickly lower anxiety.
What is box breathing (or 4-4-4-4 breathing)?
Talking to someone about your problems always makes them worse.
What is false? (Talking usually helps—stigma makes it feel risky, but connection reduces isolation.)
People with mental illness are usually violent or dangerous.
What is a myth? (Most people with mental illness are not violent; they're far more likely to be victims.)
This condition involves excessive worry that's hard to control, often with physical symptoms like racing heart or restlessness.
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Racing thoughts, feeling on edge, muscle tension, and trouble sleeping are classic signs of this.
What is anxiety?
Name one healthy physical activity that releases endorphins and helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
What is exercise (running, walking, dancing, etc.)?
Getting 7–9 hours of this per night is one of the strongest protectors against poor mental health.
What is sleep?
You can tell if someone has a mental illness just by looking at them.
What is a myth?
This involves sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes (often with heart palpitations and fear of dying).
What is a panic attack (or panic disorder if recurrent)?
Irritability, withdrawal from friends, trouble concentrating, and feeling worthless can be warning signs in teens/young adults for this mood disorder.
What is depression?
Writing down your thoughts and feelings in this format is a proven way to process emotions and reduce stress.
What is journaling?
This free, confidential 24/7 service in the Philippines can be reached by dialing 1553 (or text 0917-558-4673).
What is Hopeline Philippines? (Or similar crisis lines like 988 in other countries.)
Mental health issues are a sign of weakness or personal failure.
What is a myth? (It's a health condition like any other—biology, environment, and life experiences all play roles.)
PTSD stands for this; it can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, and hypervigilance are core features of this trauma-related condition.
What is PTSD?
This mindfulness practice involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment—often done by focusing on your breath or surroundings.
What is mindfulness (or meditation)?
The WHO defines mental health as more than just the absence of disorders; it's a state of well-being where you can cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to your community.
What is good mental health? (Or complete mental health—full flourishing.)
Children and teens don't really experience serious mental health problems; they're just being dramatic.
What is a myth? (Youth mental health issues are real and rising; early intervention makes a huge difference.)
This condition features both manic/hypomanic episodes (extremely elevated mood/energy) and depressive episodes
What is bipolar disorder?
In addition to low mood, this can include psychomotor agitation/retardation, recurrent thoughts of death, and significant weight loss/gain.
What is depression (severe or with severe features)?
The "5-4-3-2-1" grounding technique uses these five senses to bring someone back from panic or dissociation.
What are see 5 things, touch 4 things, hear 3 things, smell 2 things, taste 1 thing?
Seeking this type of professional (can be psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor) is one of the most effective steps for treating moderate to severe mental health conditions.
What is therapy (or professional help / seeing a mental health professional)?