Mental Health Misconceptions
Written by Steven Pham
In today’s fast-paced world, conversations about mental health have become more common but not necessarily more accurate. While society has made progress in recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, harmful misconceptions still surround mental health, preventing many people from getting the support they need.
As a senior at the University of Delaware majoring Management and Marketing with a minor in Business Analytics, I’ve seen firsthand how stress, performance pressure, and comparison can affect mental health. Between balancing coursework, leadership roles, side projects, and a part-time job, I’ve learned how easy it is to overlook the importance of mental well-being in pursuit of success. That experience pushed me to explore not only the realities of mental health, but also the myths that often distort how we see it.
Myth #1: Mental health issues are a sign of weakness
One of the most damaging misconceptions is the idea that struggling with mental health means someone is weak. In truth, mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or ambition. Just as we care for our physical health, caring for our mental state requires strength and self-awareness. Seeking therapy or taking time to rest should never be viewed as “giving up.” It’s an act of resilience.
Myth #2: You can “just get over it”
Phrases like “just think positive” or “snap out of it” minimize the real, biological, and emotional factors that shape mental health. Depression, anxiety, and burnout aren’t phases, they’re conditions that require understanding, patience, and sometimes professional care. Recognizing that everyone’s journey looks different is key to building empathy and breaking stigma.
Myth #3: Success means you’re mentally healthy
In college and business culture, success is often equated with constant productivity. But mental health doesn’t disappear behind achievements or titles. People can seem “put together” on the outside while quietly battling anxiety or depression. As someone managing multiple commitments, from trying to do data analytics projects, work commitments, and clubs, I’ve realized that mental health isn’t about having everything under control. It’s about knowing when to slow down, reflect, and seek balance.
Writing and reflecting on these misconceptions has made me realize that mental health isn’t something you figure out once, it’s something you have to keep checking in on. There’s always pressure to keep pushing, to stay busy, and to act like everything’s fine, especially in college. But I’ve learned that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind, it means giving yourself the space to grow.
