Why Do So Many Myths About Mental Health Persist?
In 2026, much has changed in how we talk about mental health. Public campaigns, social media debates, and a more open-minded generation have helped bring the topic into the spotlight. Yet, misinformation still circulates widely, often disguised as common sense or well-meaning advice. The result? People suffering in silence, delaying seeking help, or feeling ashamed of feelings they didn’t choose.
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges mental health as a fundamental part of human well-being—not a luxury, not an exaggeration, but a dimension as real as physical health. Nevertheless, stigmas persist. And it is precisely this stigma, fueled by old myths, that can become a barrier between a person and the care they need.
This article was born from the desire to do things differently: to bring evidence-based information, with accessible language and without judgment, to help you distinguish truth from rumor. Because understanding what goes on in the mind is the first step to taking care of it more lovingly and effectively.
Myth 1: “Mental Health is All in Your Head”—Meaning It’s Just Nonsense
This may be the oldest and most harmful myth of all. The idea that emotional or psychological problems are “made up” or “lack of willpower” still resonates in families, workplaces, and even some religious communities.
Science, however, points in the opposite direction. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia have well-documented biological, genetic, psychological, and social bases. Neuroscience research shows that states like depression are associated with real changes in brain functioning, neurotransmitters, and even the structure of certain brain regions.
Truth: Mental health issues are legitimate conditions, just like diabetes or hypertension. No one chooses to have them, and no one overcomes them just by “using willpower.” Proper treatment—which may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes—often significantly contributes to improving quality of life.
Myth 2: Only “Weak” People Need Therapy
Psychotherapy still carries, for many, a stigma of weakness or a last-resort situation. “Therapy is for those in crisis” or “I handle it myself” are common phrases—and understandable, given the cultural context in which we grew up.
In practice, seeking a psychologist or psychotherapist is an act of self-awareness and care. Studies published in peer-reviewed clinical psychology journals indicate that psychotherapy can be effective for a wide variety of conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more—regardless of the severity of symptoms.
Moreover, many people seek therapy not because they are in crisis, but because they want to better understand themselves, develop communication skills, deal with life transitions, or simply have a safe space to think. This is not weakness—it’s emotional intelligence.
Truth: Seeking psychological support is a sign of courage and self-care. Therapy is not exclusive to those at rock bottom—it can be useful at different times in life.
Myth 3: People with Mental Disorders Are Dangerous or Unpredictable
This myth causes deep and real harm. The idea that people diagnosed with mental disorders are violent or dangerous is widely refuted by scientific literature and major health organizations worldwide.
According to WHO, the vast majority of people with mental disorders pose no risk to the safety of others. When there are situations of violence associated with severe untreated psychiatric conditions, this represents a very small minority of cases—and even then, people with mental disorders are much more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
Stigmatizing in this way has serious consequences: social isolation, difficulty accessing the job market, shame in seeking help, and worsening clinical conditions.
Truth: Mental disorder is not synonymous with dangerousness. People with psychiatric diagnoses are, above all, people—with stories, dreams, relationships, and rights.
Myth 4: Anxiety and Depression Are the Same Thing
Because they are often mentioned together, anxiety and depression are frequently confused. Although they can coexist in the same individual—what professionals call comorbidity—they are distinct conditions, with their own characteristics, symptoms, and therapeutic approaches.
