4 Myths About Children's Mental Health—And What Every Parent Should Know

With the rise of social media, mental health awareness is growing. Today’s youth are particularly passionate about the subject, and many are vocal about their journeys with therapy, medication, and diagnoses. Although the increase in dialogue around mental health is positive, the rise in conversation on the topic has led to the perpetuation of certain myths.

In today’s post, I would like to dispel a few false narratives that I occasionally see in the media. 

Myth #1: Mental health therapy is only for those who have undergone a traumatic experience.

Fact: Mental health therapy can offer support, skills, and a warm environment for children to process everyday stressors; it is not exclusive to serious traumas. Navigating social relationships, academic pressures, and family dynamics are examples of obstacles children routinely encounter. 

Myth #2: Mental health therapy is not appropriate for children with ASD or ADHD.

Fact: Neurodivergent children can experience chronic emotional distress that should not be ignored, and contrary to certain rhetoric, they can benefit greatly from mental health therapy. Moreover, neurodivergent children may be at increased risk for conditions like depression and anxiety, both of which are commonly treated by mental health practitioners. By receiving early treatment, they can learn to manage their mental health throughout their lifetime. 

Myth #3: Mental health symptoms arise from personal weakness.

Fact: Mental health disorders are falsely conflated with personality types or weaknesses, but they should be treated as legitimate illnesses. Children and teens often lack the skills to tackle mental health difficulties themselves, but with parent support and proper treatment, they are often able to overcome their challenges.

Myth #4: Most children’s mental health concerns can be alleviated by simply taking a prescription medication. 

Fact: Although medication can be an important part of mental health treatment, it is typically most effective when paired with therapy. Psychotropic medications lessen the user’s symptoms so they can better learn new therapeutic strategies in a more regulated state, allowing the patient to benefit from holistic care.

Understanding the realities of mental health care helps pave the way for children to receive the support they need.

At Aspire, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children can thrive. We offer evidence-based mental health therapy for school aged children up to age 18. Our team provides holistic, client-centered care to each client, meeting each child where they are in the therapeutic process. We understand how important parent involvement can be when working with children, and parent participation is utilized as needed to enhance treatment. 

We can’t wait to meet your child! Please contact us with any questions and to learn more.

Natalie Mun, APSW, is a pediatric mental health therapist at Aspire