Your mental health is no joke. It’s not always an easy topic to talk about, or even address with yourself, but it’s crucial for people of all ages to understand, especially teens. This is especially true given the stigmas and falsehoods about mental health floating around the internet, which make it hard to find accurate information about how to take care of yourself.

It’s time that we dispel some of those mental health myths that can be seriously harmful for anyone who is seeking genuine advice. 

Myth 1: Mental Health Issues Are a Sign of Weakness

Society often stigmatizes asking for help, as if struggling with your mental health and admitting that you might not be able to handle it on your own is a sign that you’re just not strong enough. 

This harmful myth promotes isolation and actually discourages individuals from seeking the support that they truly need in order to get better. 

Let’s be clear: Experiencing challenges with your mental health is not at all a sign of weakness. In fact, acknowledging that you are in need of support demonstrates courage and strength. Whether it's talking to a trusted adult, counselor, or friend, reaching out is a powerful step toward healing.

Myth 2: Mental Health Problems Don't Affect People Your Age

Teenagers are so often dismissed when they try to discuss their struggles with mental health. Too many adults brush them off, as if young people don’t have anything to worry about. Mental health issues are not age-restricted. They affect everyone. Teenagers face a myriad of stressors from academic pressures to social dynamics, all of which can impact mental well-being. 

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, about 14% of teens around the world experience mental health conditions. A study from the National Institute of Health found that, in the decade before 2019, mental health challenges in adolescents increased 40%.

Myth 3: Talking About Mental Health Will Only Make Things Worse

Unfortunately, there are many people who believe that discussing mental health will only exacerbate the situation. If only we remain silent, these mental health challenges would go away. 

Not only is this untrue, it fuels the stigma surrounding mental health topics and only promotes isolation among individuals experiencing them. Encouraging open conversation about mental health is the only way to break down these barriers and begin building a supportive community for everyone. These dialogues will not only provide comfort and understanding, but they can also lead those struggling to valuable resources that they may not have found otherwise. 

Myth 4: You Can Overcome Mental Health Issues on Your Own

Willpower alone is not going to solve anyone’s mental health problems. There are so many factors that contribute to a person’s mental health, including biological factors like your genes and any physical illness or injury, as well as life experiences, trauma, and family history. Since one individual didn’t create those circumstances on their own, they’re unlikely to be able to solve them on their own.

Oftentimes, professional support is a necessary step in getting better. As the JAAPL says, treatment delayed is treatment denied. Ignoring symptoms of mental health conditions can not only lead to prolonged suffering but other unintended, more serious consequences. Start by talking to a therapist, seeking community support, or even just reaching out to the NAMI Helpline about first steps.

It’s important to challenge these misconceptions in order to pave the way toward a more supportive, empathetic society. The more that we encourage openness about mental health, the better off we will all be. It’s okay not to be okay, and seeking any form of support is brave. It will never be weak to prioritize and discuss mental health challenges. 

To spread further awareness, share this article with friends and family. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you're not alone. Here are some resources to help:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741

• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): 1-866-488-7386

• Therapy for Black Girls: therapyforblackgirls.com

• NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)