Mental Health Myths - Busted!

MYTH: People with mental health struggles can just “snap out of it” if they try hard enough.

BUSTED: Mental health challenges are much more complicated than just trying harder. They can be influenced by a mix of factors, including biology, life experiences, and societal conditions. Just like physical illnesses, mental health issues aren’t something you can simply “choose” to overcome. Things like brain chemistry, genetics, past trauma, or chronic stress all play a role. Even the environment you grow up in—like living in an area with high violence or limited resources—can impact your mental health. Healing takes time and effort, and everyone's path to feeling better is unique. It's not about snapping out of it—it's about understanding the underlying causes and finding the right support and strategies to heal.

MYTH: Mental illness is a sign of weakness, and people can just "decide" to feel better if they’re strong enough.

BUSTED: This is a common misconception I hear often—from families I work with to people in my own life. Some people think that having a mental health condition means you are weak or not trying hard enough to control your emotions. But that’s simply not true. Here are some facts to help bust this myth:

• 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lives.

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 24.

• Anyone can develop a mental health condition, regardless of their strength or character.

• Mental health conditions are caused by a mix of factors, including genetics, life experiences, chemical imbalances, substance use, medical issues, trauma, environmental stress, and systemic inequalities.

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Mental health struggles don’t happen because someone is weak—they happen for a lot of complex reasons, and they require real care and support to heal. It’s not about just “deciding” to feel better—it’s about understanding and addressing the root causes. Mental health challenges aren’t a reflection of someone’s strength or “mental toughness.” In fact, it takes immense courage and vulnerability to reach out for help when you're struggling. Seeking support is an act of bravery, not weakness.

MYTH: Physical health and mental health have nothing to do with each other.

BUSTED: Taking care of your mind is also taking care of your body—they are deeply connected. The state of your physical health and mental health can impact each other in powerful ways.

For example, did you know that 95% of your serotonin receptors are in your gut? Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, memory, and even social behavior. So, if your gut health is off, it can also affect your mental health.

On the flip side, when you're struggling with mental health challenges, you might feel physical symptoms too—like headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Sometimes, these physical sensations are actually connected to what's going on in your mind.

To truly heal, it's essential to care for both your body and your mind—they work together.

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RESOURCES: 

CDC Statistics

NIMH Suicide Statistics

Serotonin Signaling in the GI Tract

 © 2024. MindRise Psychology, Amanda Priest, M.S. All rights reserved.