10 myths about mental health, and what actually holds true

There are many ideas about mental health, and some of them live on even though they are not true. That matters, because myths contribute to stigma, and stigma means fewer people seek help in time. Here we go through ten common myths, why they do not hold up and what applies instead.

By Mindworkout · Reading time approx. 6 minutes

Myth 1: Mental health problems are rare

Quite the opposite. Mental health problems are today the most common cause of long-term sick leave in Sweden, and almost half of all ongoing long sickness cases involve a psychiatric diagnosis (Försäkringskassan, 2025). Most people encounter it at some point, in themselves or in someone close to them.

Myth 2: You can simply pull yourself together

Pushing difficult emotions away can do more harm than good in the long run. A healthier path is to listen to your emotions and to what the body needs, and to deal with it early. Mental health can be trained, just like physical health.

Myth 3: Mental health problems show on the outside

They rarely do. Two people can look exactly the same on the outside even though one is feeling well and the other is not. That is precisely why it is important to ask how someone is actually doing instead of trusting the impression.

Myth 4: Young people are not affected

Mental health problems occur at every age, and among young people they have increased rather than decreased. Dismissing how young people feel as a phase means problems are missed when early action would have helped most.

Myth 5: Mental health problems never pass

Just like physical health, mental health varies over time, and most conditions can be treated. With the right support, recovery and tools, many people recover fully. Seeing mental health problems as something permanent unfortunately means fewer people seek help.

Myth 6: You cannot protect yourself

There is a great deal you can do. By prioritising your mental wellbeing and building up your mental fitness you reduce the risk of being affected, much as physical training strengthens the body against strain.

Myth 7: Seeking help is a sign of weakness

It is rather a strength. Daring to take care of your mental health requires courage and self-awareness, and it is exactly that attitude that makes you feel better over time.

Myth 8: Only a few people have good mental health

Everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health. And everyone can actively improve their mental wellbeing, wherever they start.

Myth 9: Nothing can be done to prevent it

There are plenty of preventive tools. Social and emotional strength, good relationships and regular mental training build resilience before the problems arise.

Myth 10: Mental health problems make people dangerous or aggressive

How someone is feeling mentally does not determine how that person acts. This picture is both inaccurate and harmful, because it affects people who already have a heavy load.

We work with tools, not myths

There are more myths about mental health than these, and most of them are just that. At Mindworkout we build our sessions and programmes on science and proven experience, so that you and your team feel well and perform for real. If you want to know how mental training works, you can read more about mental training, or about why it pays off for employers.

Common questions about mental health