5 Common Myths About Mental Health – And the Truth Behind Them

Monarch
Jul 29
4 min read

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of our overall well-being — yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Despite growing awareness, many myths and misconceptions still surround mental health, mental illness, and psychological testing. These myths don’t just spread misinformation — they can actually prevent people from seeking the help they need.

As a small mental health practice that specializes in psychoeducational evaluations (testing to help identify and support learning differences, attention differences, social differences, and emotional and behavior concerns), we often see how misinformation makes people feel unsure or even ashamed about asking for help. In this post, we’ll walk through five common myths about mental health and uncover the truth behind them — because understanding is the first step toward healing.

Myth 1: "Mental health differences are a sign of weakness."

This is one of the most damaging and persistent myths out there. The idea that struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other conditions means you're somehow “weak” is simply not true.

The Truth:

Mental health conditions are not character flaws — they are complex and often involve a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Just like physical illnesses, mental illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or strength of character. In fact, it takes incredible strength and courage to acknowledge that you’re struggling and take steps to get help. Seeking support, whether through therapy, testing, or medication, is an act of self-awareness and resilience — not weakness.

Myth 2: "If you look fine, you must be fine."

We hear this one a lot — especially from people who feel guilty about needing help because they’re “functional” in their day-to-day life.

The Truth:

Mental health challenges aren’t always visible. Someone can smile, go to work, take care of their family, and still be suffering internally. Conditions like high-functioning anxiety, masked depression, and ADHD in adults often go undiagnosed because the person appears to be coping on the surface.

At our practice, testing often reveals hidden struggles — things that someone has been pushing through for years. Testing can provide clarity and validation, especially for people who’ve been told to just “get over it” or “try harder.”

Myth 3: "Mental health problems are rare."

Some people believe that mental illness is uncommon — something that happens to “other people.” This myth contributes to stigma and discourages people from opening up about their experiences.

The Truth:

Mental health challenges are extremely common. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental disorder. In the U.S., the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. These numbers aren’t just statistics — they reflect real people in our communities, families, and workplaces. Chances are, someone you know is managing a mental health condition right now. Normalizing these conversations helps us all feel less alone.

Myth 4: "Psychological testing is only for serious differences."

Some people avoid psychological testing because they believe it's only used for diagnosing “serious” conditions — or that it’s something only a psychiatrist or hospital would recommend.

The Truth:

Psychological testing is a valuable tool for people of all ages and situations. It helps uncover things like:

ADHD
Learning differences
Anxiety or depression
Autism spectrum traits
Emotional or behavioral concerns in children
Executive functioning differences

Testing can help an individual feel less alone and less to “blame” for what they are experiencing. Teaching parents and students more about their brains can help them understand themselves better and why things feel the way they do. guide treatment, provide documentation for schools or workplaces, or simply offer peace of mind. It’s not just for people in crisis — it’s for anyone who wants answers, insight, or direction.

Myth 5: "Talking about mental health makes things worse."

This myth is especially common in communities where mental health conversations are stigmatized or avoided. There’s a fear that discussing these issues openly will “trigger” symptoms or make someone feel worse.

The Truth:

Avoiding mental health discussions doesn’t make problems go away — it often makes them worse. Talking about your mental health with a professional can be relieving, empowering, and even life-changing.

At our practice, we’ve seen how simply having space to be heard — without judgment — opens the door to healing. Whether you’re seeking therapy, psychological testing, or even just a consultation, starting the conversation is a powerful step toward feeling better.

Why Busting These Myths Matters

Misconceptions about mental health don’t just create stigma — they delay healing. When people believe these myths, they may:

Avoid getting help
Minimize their symptoms
Feel ashamed or isolated
Miss out on early intervention

At our practice, we believe that knowledge is empowering. Psychological testing is one of the ways we help clients understand themselves better. Whether you're wondering if you might have ADHD, trying to manage school expectations that do not feel possible, or having a difficult time understanding social interactions— we’re here to help you get answers.

Mental health is just as real — and just as important — as physical health. The more we challenge myths and normalize mental wellness, the more we can support one another in living full, healthy lives. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Psychoeducational testing can be a great first step toward understanding what’s going on and what to do next. If you have questions or are curious about whether testing could help you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to talk — no judgment, just support.

ADHD - Autism - Executive Functioning - Learning Disorders