Mental health is often misunderstood, and myths about it can create barriers to the wellbeing of students, teachers, and school communities. As a psychologist with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve seen how recognising these myths can be a game-changer for individuals and organisations alike.
Here are five common myths about mental health—and the truths that can help your school community thrive:
Myth 1: Mentally healthy students will always feel good
It’s a misconception that being mentally healthy means feeling happy all the time. Students (and staff) who are mentally healthy will still experience frustration, sadness, and worry—it’s part of being human.
The difference is that mentally healthy individuals don’t stay stuck in those states. Psychological challenges arise not from having negative emotions but from being unable to move through them.
Teaching students that emotions are like the weather—temporary and ever-changing—can help them develop resilience and emotional agility.
Myth 2: Mental health and physical health are separate
Ever noticed how a hungry, sleep-deprived student is more irritable or unable to focus?
Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. Factors like sleep, hydration, nutrition, and even managing illnesses and injuries can have a profound impact on a student’s ability to regulate their emotions and perform academically.
This is why wellbeing in schools must be a holistic approach, addressing both mind and body.
Myth 3: Self-esteem is the ultimate goal
There was a time when boosting self-esteem was seen as a cure-all for mental health challenges. Schools were encouraged to prioritise it—but it didn’t solve the problem. In fact, the self-esteem movement coincided with rising rates of anxiety and depression.
We now know that self-compassion is a far better approach. Self-compassion teaches students to treat themselves kindly, embrace their imperfections, and learn from setbacks. This shift in focus fosters genuine growth and resilience without the pitfalls of entitlement or narcissism.
Myth 4: Positive thinking is always healthy
At first glance, encouraging students to “think positively” might seem like sound advice, but it is not the healthiest way to think. Positive thinking violates the three essential criteria of healthy thinking: that it be balanced, helpful, and realistic.
Balanced thinking involves considering more than one perspective on a situation, rather than focusing solely on the positive. Helpful thinking means experiencing emotions that are appropriate to the situation and using those emotions to guide thoughtful, constructive responses.
Realistic thinking is about seeing the situation clearly—neither overestimating risk (which can lead to anxiety) nor underestimating it (which can result in recklessness).
Healthy thinking doesn’t aim to eliminate negative emotions. Instead, it helps students experience the right emotion, to the right degree, for the right reason. By developing balanced, helpful, and realistic thinking, students are better equipped to manage challenges and navigate life with resilience and confidence.
Myth 5: Stress is inherently bad
Not all stress is harmful. In fact, moderate stress can enhance performance and growth—whether it’s preparing for an exam, competing in sports, or tackling a big project.
Students who learn to tolerate discomfort and handle manageable levels of stress are more likely to become high achievers. Facing challenges head-on is where learning, growth, and accomplishment truly occur.
At its core, mental health is about equipping students, teachers, and parents with the skills to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. By breaking these myths, schools can create a culture of wellbeing that supports learning, growth, and resilience for everyone.
To learn how the Healthy Minds Program can help your school community debunk these myths and build a stronger foundation for mental health, call Dr. Tom Nehmy at
+61 411 591 276 or book a Zoom meeting at www.healthymindsprogram.com.
0411 591 276
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