Have you ever caught yourself thinking that mental health issues only happen to “certain people” those far away, on the news, or in another world entirely?

I once did.

For a long time, I believed that people struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges were somehow different from me or those around me. I thought mental illness belonged to “other places” or “other families.”

That changed when I started paying attention, really paying attention to the people close to me: colleagues, friends, and even family members. I began noticing quiet struggles, invisible exhaustion, and unspoken pain behind polite smiles. It hit me that mental health concerns aren’t distant stories but they’re here, in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

That realization changed everything. Because the moment we believe mental illness is “out there,” we unconsciously add to the stigma that keeps people suffering in silence.

💭 Checking In: How Are You Really Feeling?

Checking in with your emotions might feel strange, especially if you’re not used to it.

Can you name what you’re feeling right now? Whether it is happiness, stress, boredom, anxiety, or maybe just fatigue?

Whatever it is, all emotions, positive or negative are part of being human. Yet, many people question themselves when life feels overwhelming. The truth is that emotions are normal, and how we navigate them defines our mental health.

Unfortunately, stigma and myths around mental illness still stop many from seeking help. Let’s break some of them down.

🧠 Common Mental Health Myths and the Truths Behind Them

Myth 1: Mental health issues are a sign of weakness.

Fact: Mental health struggles aren’t about weakness or character flaws. Factors like genetics, trauma, and chronic stress all play a role. We don’t call someone weak for catching the flu, so why should mental health be any different? Seeking help is an act of courage, not defeat.

Myth 2: Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness.

Fact: Therapy isn’t just for crises but it’s for growth. Think of it like the gym: the more you practice, the stronger your mind becomes. Therapy helps us process emotions, build resilience, and create new ways of thinking through a process known as neuroplasticity, where the brain literally rewires itself for healing.

Myth 3: If I’ve managed my emotions alone before, I don’t need help now.

Fact: Many of us survived difficult seasons by “being strong.” But just because we managed before doesn’t mean we should carry everything alone forever. Mental health, like physical health, changes over time. Seeing a therapist is no different from visiting a doctor for back pain. It helps us heal and prevents future harm.

Myth 4: Seeking help means I’ll have to take medication.

Fact: Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. For some, medication helps restore balance; for others, therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes are key. The best treatment is one that fits your unique story, and that’s something to discuss openly with a trusted professional.

Myth 5: Talking about mental health makes things worse.

Fact: Silence is what makes things worse. Talking about mental health doesn’t create problems. What is does is it opens doors for understanding, support, and recovery. When leaders, parents, or mentors talk openly about mental health, they give others permission to do the same.

💬 Other Myths Still Holding Us Back

• Myth: People with mental illness can’t function in society.
  Fact: Many live full, productive, and creative lives. Mental illness doesn’t erase capability, it just means someone is managing a condition.
• Myth: People with mental illness are dangerous or violent.
  Fact: Research shows people with mental illness are more likely to be victims, not perpetrators, of violence.
• Myth: Certain people can’t have mental health issues.
  Fact: Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. It affects people across age, gender, race, income, and culture.
• Myth: Talking about mental health means you’ll never recover.
  Fact: With the right treatment and support, most people recover and live fulfilling lives.

🌿 Why This Conversation Matters

Every time we challenge a myth, we make it a little easier for someone else to reach out for help.

Every time we normalize checking in i.e., “How are you really doing?” we make the world a bit kinder and safer.

Because mental health isn’t just about surviving but it’s about learning to live, connect, and thrive.

And while we can’t control everything happening around us, we can control how we show up for ourselves and for each other.

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.”
— Dan Millman

So, this week, pause for a moment.

Ask yourself and someone else how they’re really doing.

That one small question might be the start of healing.

Key Takeaways

• Emotions are normal; stigma is not.
• Mental illness isn’t weakness. It’s part of the human experience.
• Therapy and support are tools for everyone, not just those in crisis.
• Talking about mental health helps us heal collectively.