MYTH OR FACT
Myth or Fact: You can usually tell when someone is struggling with their mental health just by looking at them.
Myth. People can appear happy, social, or successful while still struggling internally.
You’ve had a terrible day, so you call someone you trust and talk about it instead of keeping everything inside. What coping skill are you using?
Seeking social support.
Your friend says, “I’ve had the worst week.” What should you do first: give advice, change the subject, or listen?
Listen.
Your heart starts racing before a big presentation even though there is no actual physical danger. What response has your body activated?
The fight-or-flight stress response.
Getting enough sleep before an important day.
Self-care.
Myth or Fact: Mental health problems can affect physical health too.
Fact. Stress and mental health conditions can affect sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and even physical symptoms.
You notice yourself getting overwhelmed, so you take a slow breath and focus on what you can see, hear, and feel around you. What technique is this?
Grounding or mindfulness.
Your friend starts crying and says, “Sorry, this is so embarrassing.” What is a supportive response?
Something like, “You don’t have to apologize. I’m here.”
At 2 a.m., your brain suddenly decides to replay the embarrassing thing you said in 10th grade. Repetitively thinking about negative experiences is called what?
Rumination.
Saying no to another commitment because your schedule is already overloaded.
Self-care. Healthy boundaries are part of taking care of yourself.
Myth or Fact: Therapy is only useful if you have a diagnosed mental illness.
Myth. Therapy can also help with stress, relationships, grief, life changes, coping skills, and personal growth.
Your to-do list looks terrifying, so instead of writing “finish project,” you write “open document,” “make outline,” and “write introduction.” What strategy is this?
Breaking a large task into smaller, manageable steps.
Your friend has been unusually withdrawn lately. What is a good way to check in?
“Hey, I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How are you doing?”
“I got one bad grade, so obviously I’m going to fail the entire class.” What type of thinking trap is this?
Catastrophizing.
Ignoring an important email for three weeks because opening it would “ruin your peace.”
Self-sabotage or avoidance.
Myth or Fact: Avoiding everything that makes you anxious is usually the best way to make anxiety go away long-term.
Myth. Avoidance can sometimes make anxiety stronger over time.
You’re frustrated, so you write down exactly what you’re feeling instead of sending the angry text sitting in your drafts. What coping strategy are you using?
Journaling or emotional processing.
A friend says, “I don’t want advice. I just need to talk.” What should you do?
Respect what they asked for and listen without immediately trying to fix the situation.
“My friend hasn’t answered my text, so they must be mad at me.” What thinking trap is this?
Mind reading — assuming you know what another person is thinking without enough evidence.
You’re stressed, so you stay awake until 4 a.m. scrolling because you “need time to yourself.”
Self-sabotage. Downtime can help, but sacrificing necessary sleep can make stress worse.
Myth or Fact: Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide can put the idea into their head.
Myth. Asking directly does not cause suicidal thoughts and can create an opportunity for someone to get help.
You notice the thought “I mess up everything” and replace it with “I made one mistake, but that doesn’t mean I fail at everything.” What skill are you practicing?
Cognitive reframing or challenging negative thoughts.
Your friend tells you they don’t feel safe being alone tonight. What should you prioritize?
Their immediate safety and connecting them with appropriate crisis or professional support. Serious safety concerns should not be handled alone.
After weeks of nonstop stress, you feel emotionally drained, exhausted, unmotivated, and detached from things you normally care about. What might this describe?
Burnout.
True or False: Self-care should always feel enjoyable in the moment.
False. Self-care can also mean doing uncomfortable but helpful things, like setting boundaries, asking for help, going to therapy, exercising, or addressing a problem.