For the Strength of Youth
Three Mental Health Myths
For the Strength of Youth April 2025

Three Mental Health Myths

By Marissa Widdison

Church Magazines

Get the facts about mental health.

head with thought bubble inside

Myth: “I Should Be More Normal”

What’s normal? Have you ever seen an anglerfish? They have dangling forehead lights and often live in deep oceans. And houseflies taste with their legs.

Bottom line? This beautiful world testifies that variety is part of God’s plan.

Each of us has a different combination of talents, interests, and characteristics. During our life on earth, each of us experiences a different combination of blessings and challenges.

So why would we expect everyone to be the same?

God has, of course, given us specific commandments and wants all of us to keep them because He knows it will bring us joy. But there is more than one “right” way to handle most everyday situations.

Stick with the Spirit and don’t be afraid to celebrate the good things that are uniquely you!

man hugging a young man looking sad

Myth: “I Feel Sad, so I Must Have Sinned”

It’s true that breaking commandments will lead to sorrow sooner or later. But does that mean that every time you’re unhappy, you must have done something wrong?

No! You know what else can make us unhappy? Regular life! There’s no shortage of discouraging events—like disasters, sickness, and other people’s bad choices—that aren’t our fault at all.

When these hard things happen, let yourself grieve. Pray. Practice breathing deeply and letting feelings come and go.

If sad feelings last for weeks, you might be experiencing something more serious like depression, and you may need some extra help. Just like there are doctors who help our physical bodies be well, there are professionals who help us be mentally and emotionally well. Start by telling a parent, leader, or other adult how you feel.

And … back to the original question: If you think your sadness is a result of bad choices you’ve made, pray and talk with God about it. It might also help to talk with your bishop. There is always a way back to peace, thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ!

young woman’s smiling face in a mirror

Myth: “I Should Be Perfect Now”

Have you ever felt so afraid of making a mistake that you avoided trying something new because you might mess up? If so, here are some things to think about:

  • God knows that mistakes are part of mortality. That’s why His plan includes a Savior from the beginning.

  • We can pray for the grace of Jesus Christ to strengthen us in our weaknesses and shortcomings. And when we sin, we can repent and be forgiven. This is why the Atonement of Jesus Christ is so wonderful!

  • Scriptures encourage us to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him” (Moroni 10:32) Perfection won’t happen in this life. After we are resurrected, we can eventually become perfect like Him.

Be patient with yourself. Focus on what you’re doing well. And when you mess up, learn from it and move forward!