Common Myths About Mental Health in Teens

Struggles with mental health aren’t confined to older people. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 teens will experience a mental disorder, and the third-leading cause of death in people ages 15-29 is suicide. Three in five teen girls taking the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (given to 17,000 high school students every two years) reported feeling sadness daily for two or more weeks, although the percentage decreased to 53% in the 2023 survey. 

But while some numbers improved, the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) found:

• 2 in 10 students considered suicide
• 1 in 10 students attempted suicide
• 4 in 10 students felt persistent sadness or hopelessness
• 29% of high school students struggled with their mental health over 30 days

Yet there are still people who think that teens and young adults don’t struggle, or their struggles really “aren’t that bad.” Let’s look at some of the myths and misconceptions. 

Myth: Mental health struggles indicate a sign of weakness or character flaw

Reality: Mental health conditions result from a complex interplay of genetic predispositions, brain chemistry, hormonal changes, and environmental factors like stress, trauma, and social pressures. While some people are predisposed to physical illnesses, others are more vulnerable to mental health challenges through no fault of their own.

As the stats above show, mental health disorders aren’t uncommon among adolescents and young adults. A not insignificant percentage of teens have mental health issues, and experiencing these challenges is a normal part of the human experience for many — not a failing. 

It isn’t like people choose to have or not have a mental health condition, yet the social stigma remains. But recognizing you need help — and asking for it — is a sign of tremendous courage and strength. 

We don’t think people with physical ailments are weak, and we must apply that same logic to mental health. Both are part of your overall mental and physical well-being and require appropriate attention and care.  

Myth: Only people with low intelligence struggle with their mental health

Reality: This myth is harmful and inaccurate. Mental health conditions affect anyone, regardless of intelligence. Anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and other issues don’t discriminate. They affect people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and walks of life. In fact, studies show that people with average or above-average intelligence may struggle more with mental health conditions. 

Abraham Lincoln suffered from severe depression. Artist Vincent Van Gogh had bipolar disorder, as did novelist Virginia Woolf and composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Actors Vivien Leigh and Patty Duke struggled with mental illness. Nikola Tesla had obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Charles Darwin suffered from panic attacks. 

Myth: Teens don’t really have mental health issues — mood swings resulting from puberty and hormones are normal

Reality: This myth significantly downplays the real mental health challenges that teens face. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty can indeed influence mood, but they don’t account for the full spectrum of mental health issues teens can experience. Anxiety and eating disorders, depression, and other conditions are distinct from typical mood swings, involving more persistent, severe symptoms that can significantly impair daily functioning.

Research shows that one in seven kids globally (ages 10 to 19) has a diagnosable mental health condition — a real illness with specific criteria and impact. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, half (50%) of all lifetime mental illnesses begin at age 14. Dismissing these conditions as hormonal changes can lead to a failure to recognize and address serious underlying mental health problems.  

Myth: Teens only act out for attention, not because they’re struggling with their mental health

Reality: Acting out can indicate distress, especially for teens lacking the skills or ability to articulate their emotional pain. Their negative behavior might be a manifestation of underlying anxiety, depression, trauma, or another mental health challenge. It’s a way of saying “I’m hurting,” even if they can’t say it directly. 

While some behaviors might indeed have an end goal of getting attention, think about why a teen might be seeking attention in the first place. These health issues don’t always look like sadness or withdrawal. Sometimes, they present as aggression, defiance, difficulty following rules, irritability, or engaging in risky behaviors. Attributing these behaviors just to “wanting attention” discounts the possibility of a more serious mental health issue.

Myth: Teens who are depressed are choosing to be depressed

Reality: This deeply harmful and inaccurate myth completely misconstrues the nature of depression, which is recognized as a mental health disorder with biological, psychological, and social components. It’s not a matter of willpower or choice. Changes in brain chemistry, genetics, stressful life events, and other factors can contribute to its development. 

We wouldn’t say someone with diabetes is “choosing” to have high blood sugar. We wouldn’t tell someone with a broken leg to “walk it off.” Depression requires the same medical care and consideration.

Myth: All teens are irritable and have attitudes — it’s a normal part of adolescence

Reality: Mood swings and some irritability can be a typical part of the hormonal and developmental shifts associated with puberty. But it’s a misconception to think that all teens are always irritable or have negative attitudes as a standard part of growing up.

However, persistent irritability can signal underlying issues. While occasional moodiness isn’t uncommon during puberty, ongoing and intense irritability, especially when accompanied by other changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite, could signal an underlying mental health concern like depression, anxiety, or other conditions. Dismissing it as “typical teen moodiness” can prevent the identification and treatment of these issues.

Myth: Middle school, high school, and college students who get good grades and have solid friend groups won’t struggle with mental health

Reality: This myth is dangerous because it suggests that external achievements and social connections act as a foolproof shield against mental health challenges. 

External factors can’t determine someone’s mental well-being alone. A high schooler might excel academically and have a great social circle, but still experience internal struggles like anxiety or depression. The pressure to consistently earn good grades and maintain a social life can cause anxiety and stress, potentially contributing to mental health issues. 

A fear of failure or social exclusion can take a toll on some teens, even if they appear outwardly successful and happy. Some teens become adept at masking and maintaining a facade of success while battling issues internally. They might feel the pressure to appear “fine” and not want to worry others. 

Myth: Poor parenting causes mental health issues with teens

Reality: A person’s mental well-being can be shaped by a combination of biology, psychology, and environment — genetic predispositions, a certain brain chemistry, in utero development, difficult childhood experiences, and exposure to trauma. While children tend to thrive in stable, supportive home environments, no single factor — including parenting — determines the development of mental health conditions.

Influences beyond the home, like poverty, unemployment, and exposure to violent or unstable situations, can affect the mental health of teens and their caregivers. But even teens from caring families can still suffer from mental health conditions. Mental illness is not the result of someone’s wrongdoing. You can’t cause someone to develop a mental illness. Environmental and hereditary factors can increase vulnerability, but medical professionals in this field believe that inadequate parenting alone is rarely the sole cause of a young person’s mental health issues.

In fact, parents can be incredibly influential advocates for their children’s mental health because they know their children best and are often in an ideal position to notice changes and behaviors indicating their child needs additional support. 

Myth: Only people with serious issues need therapy

Reality: This common misconception is inaccurate because therapy can address many concerns. It’s not just for diagnosable mental illnesses, but can help people (including teens and young adults) struggling with:

• Stress management
• Relationship challenges
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Self-esteem issues
• Personal growth
• Understanding and processing emotions

When we have a physical health concern, we call the doctor. Addressing mental health concerns shouldn’t be any different, since addressing them sooner can prevent them from escalating. Therapy can offer tools and strategies to navigate those challenges proactively. It also offers a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — a process that can lead to greater self-awareness, improved coping skills, and a more fulfilling life (even for those who don’t have a specific diagnosis).

Myth: People who managed their emotions as younger kids don’t need help and can keep doing it alone now

Reality: Emotional regulation skills teens develop as children don’t always suffice for navigating the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood. The type of stressors older teens and young adults face is often significantly different and more complex than those experienced in childhood. Academic pressures, social dynamics, identity formation, romantic relationships, and decisions about the future can present new and intense emotional challenges, requiring different or more advanced coping mechanisms. 

While some level of independence is healthy, believing that you must handle all your emotional struggles alone can lead to isolation and prevent you from seeking help. Even teens who adeptly managed their feelings as children might benefit from learning new strategies to cope with the unique challenges of their current life stage. Often, parents can lend insight into how to help, too.

Myth: Talking about your mental health makes you feel worse

Reality: While teens and young adults can feel vulnerable and uncomfortable initially, talking about their challenges often brings relief and makes them feel better, not worse. 

Bottling up feelings can make us feel isolated and lonely. Talking through our experiences often helps us realize we’re not alone and that others feel similarly. Putting thoughts and feelings into words can help us process them more effectively, bring clarity, and make us feel less overwhelmed. 

Suppressing emotions can drain us physically and emotionally, and increase stress levels. Openly discussing mental health helps to break down the stigma around it and encourages others to do the same, creating a more supportive environment for everyone.

Myth: You can’t do anything to protect yourself from developing a mental health condition

Reality: Let’s refute this pessimistic (and false) statement. While it’s true that factors like genetics and early life experiences can increase your vulnerability to mental health conditions, you can take proactive steps to protect and promote your mental well-being.

Regular exercise, plenty of sleep, a balanced diet, and the practice of mindfulness and stress management techniques can help:

• Release endorphins, which boost your mood
• Regulate your emotions and support cognitive function
• Support brain health
• Manage stress

Building strong, supportive relationships creates a buffer against stress and promotes a sense of belonging, which are vital for maintaining your mental well-being. Learning healthy ways to manage stress, adversity, and complex emotions can foster resilience. Recognizing early warning signs of mental health struggles and reaching out can help prevent a condition from worsening. Identifying and, where possible, reducing sources of ongoing stress can also offer protection.

Myth: People struggling with mental health conditions will never improve

Reality: The vast majority of people with mental health conditions do improve, especially with appropriate support and treatment. From therapy and medication to support groups, these interventions can reduce or eliminate symptoms and improve quality of life. 

A caveat: Recovery doesn’t always mean a complete absence of symptoms. Some people learn to manage them effectively and live well despite them. It can take time to learn strategies for coping with symptoms, but the ongoing process of adaptation and growth is a key part of improvement.

Mental health isn’t static. Our physical health fluctuates, sometimes day to day or even hour to hour. So can our mental well-being. With the right support, you can find ways to work through mental health challenges and find periods of improvement and stability.