When it comes to therapy, misinformation is everywhere. Some of it comes from what we watch in movies. Some of it is passed around in conversations, often by people who have never even been to a session. And sometimes, it’s our own fears trying to talk us out of the help we need.

Let’s debunk the myths that have kept too many people stuck. If therapy has ever felt like something for others or something you can't relate to, this might be the reminder you didn’t know you needed.

8 Therapy Myths You Should Stop Believing

This belief has made a lot of people suffer in silence. Therapy isn’t a luxury item for elites. It’s a mental health resource, like a clinic is for physical health. It’s for the single parent juggling too many jobs. It’s for the student overwhelmed by expectations. It’s for the entrepreneur whose brain won’t stop racing at night. It’s for anyone who wants to feel better, think clearer, and heal deeper.

Yes, some private sessions may cost more, but therapy exists in different forms and price ranges. There are community programs, subsidised services, and even virtual therapy platforms like Tranqbay that offer help at a fraction of the cost. Healing should never be seen as something only the wealthy deserve.

2. Therapy is only effective when it is physical

It's the 21st century and the world has changed. A lot of deep, powerful work is now happening online. Zoom calls, voice notes, and digital journals are now valid tools in the hands of skilled therapists.

What makes therapy effective isn’t the chair or the office smell. It’s the safety in the space, the trust you build with your therapist, and the willingness to do the work. If that can happen in person, that’s beautiful. But if it happens with your camera off while you sit in your room with a cup of tea, it’s still valid. Virtual therapy isn’t a watered-down version. For many, it has been a lifeline.

Therapy isn’t only about tears. Yes, there are sessions where you may cry. Sometimes a memory catches you off guard or your therapist says something that unlocks a room in your heart you didn’t even realise was closed. But there are also sessions that aren't aren’t heavy at all. You might laugh, feel relief, or experience a quiet moment that brings a smile. Not every session ends in tears, and that doesn’t mean progress isn’t happening.

Therapy is a space where your emotions are free to show up as they are, whether that’s sadness, anger, confusion, or joy. You don’t need to perform pain to prove the process is working.

It’s okay to have preferences — maybe you feel more comfortable with a woman, or you want someone who can understand male experiences better. But don’t fall for the idea that healing can only happen if your therapist is the same gender as you.

A good therapist is trained to meet you where you are and to hold your story with care. Sometimes the most unexpected connections bring the deepest healing. Your therapist’s skill, empathy, and professionalism matter more than whether they are male or female.

5. If it is cheap, then it is not quality

We’ve been taught to associate high prices with high value. But healing doesn’t follow that rule. Some of the most impactful sessions happen in free group therapy or through affordable counselling programs run by dedicated professionals.

There are therapists who charge less, not because they are less skilled, but because they believe help should be accessible. Price is not always a measure of quality. The right fit, the right approach, and your own commitment to the journey matter far more than how much you pay.

Therapy is not an instant cure. While initial sessions may offer temporary relief, sustainable change typically requires time and consistent work. Just like physical recovery, psychological healing is gradual. Each session builds on the last, helping to reframe thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and support long-term mental well-being.

7. Therapy is only for people with depression

Many people think therapy is only necessary when you’re deep in depression, unable to get out of bed, or battling suicidal thoughts. While therapy can absolutely support people going through severe depression, it’s not limited to that.

Therapy also helps with anxiety that makes your heart race over simple things. It helps with trauma you’ve tucked away for years, grief that lingers longer than expected, or stress from a job that drains your joy. People go to therapy to deal with panic attacks, relationship patterns, low self-esteem, burnout, eating disorders, mood swings, obsessive thoughts, and more.

You don’t need to “qualify” for therapy by being at your lowest. You can simply go because you want to understand yourself better, break old habits, or learn how to manage your emotions in a healthier way. Wanting peace of mind is enough reason to start.

8. Therapy and medication are interchangeable

Therapy and medication serve different purposes. Medication can help with chemical imbalances, making symptoms manageable enough for therapy to be effective. Therapy, on the other hand, helps you deal with root causes, triggers, thought patterns, and behaviors.

Some people need both while others need only one. The idea is not to choose between them like a contest but to find what combination works for your healing. 

Therapy is not magic. It won’t erase your problems overnight or give you a perfect life. But what it can do is walk with you through your mess. It helps you name your pain, sort through the fog, and figure out what to do with all the pieces life has thrown your way.

It’s not reserved for a particular class or gender. It’s not about crying on cue or paying a fortune. It’s about creating space for truth, for growth, and for becoming whole again.

If any of these myths have been holding you back, maybe it’s time to drop them. You deserve clarity, support and  healing no matter what the world has told you. 

To get the professional help you need, you should 

If you’re curious about virtual sessions and wonder whether online therapy can really be effective, check out our article on 

, to learn why this modern approach is breaking barriers for many people.

 Also, many of the myths around therapy stem from the stigma surrounding mental health. To dive deeper into why stigma still holds people back and how we can change the conversation, see our post on  

Therapy can change lives, but only if we stop believing the myths that keep people away. Break free from 8 lies and get the mental health support you deserve.

To wrap up Men’s Mental Health Month and complement the articles 

7 Signs He's Struggling but Won't Say It 

, we decided to listen directly to one man’s experience. 

Soneye Michael, an artist who channels his emotions through drawing, shares his honest journey navigating what it really means to be a man in today’s world: the pressures, the silence, and the hope for healing.

His story is one of many, but it’s a powerful reminder that men’s mental health is deeply personal, complex, and deserving of our full attention.

Growing up, what messages did you receive about what it means to “be a man”?

Honestly, no one really sat me down and spelled it out. I had to figure it out for myself through what I saw around me and what I experienced. Growing up, there were so many things I just didn’t understand about being a man, like  what’s expected, what’s allowed, what’s off-limits. Most of the lessons came from watching others and learning through trial and error.

But there was this constant unspoken expectation and silent pressure that being a man means surviving no matter what. Like, you have to push through hardship and keep going even when things hurt, even when you feel broken inside. That’s what I learned, sometimes painfully, that toughness equals manhood. But that also meant bottling up feelings, not asking for help, because that’s “weak.”

Was mental health ever discussed in your family, school, or community?

Mental health? Not really. But when it's mentioned, it's not in a way that made it feel real or urgent. People would say things like “you’re too young to be struggling” or “everyone goes through stuff, just deal with it.” So when I was feeling overwhelmed or down, those words made it seem like I shouldn’t talk about it or that my feelings weren’t valid.

It’s like the conversation was there but buried under be strong and move on. That made it hard to be open about what was going on inside.

Why do you think many men struggle to talk about their emotions or mental health?

Because society has built this idea that men must always be the rock. We’re supposed to survive, fix things, and never show pain. So when a man starts talking about his feelings, it’s often seen as a weakness or something shameful.

Also, men are sometimes raised to believe that showing emotion will make people look down on them, or worse, that it will cost them respect. That pressure makes many men shut down instead of reaching out.

Picture of Michael, interviewed about his mental health journey.

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Men's Mental Health

Have you ever been made to feel “less of a man” for showing emotion or vulnerability?

Yes, definitely. One time, someone who had more financial power offered help but made it clear there were conditions attached. It was like I was paying a price just for being honest about struggling. That kind of experience makes you think twice about opening up again because it feels like vulnerability is being weaponized against you.

What would you say to someone who thinks “mental health talk is for women”?

I’d say they just haven’t met a man who cries or shares what he’s really feeling. Men have emotions, too. Pretending we don’t only keeps us trapped in silence and pain. Mental health isn’t a gender issue, it’s human.

What’s one myth about men and mental health you’d like to debunk?

That men don’t cry or don’t suffer from mental health issues. That myth is dangerous because it keeps men from seeking help and being honest with themselves and others.

If a young man were reading this and silently struggling, what would you say to him?

Don’t give up. Keep grinding, but don’t grind alone. Find someone you trust; a friend, a family member, a counselor, and talk. Pray if that’s your thing. Whatever works for you, keep working toward getting better. You’re not weak for struggling; you’re human.

Do you think we’re doing enough to support men’s mental health? What more needs to be done?

Some people are trying, but not enough. Men need to feel truly loved and valued. More importantly, we need more listening ears, people who don’t just hear but really listen without judgment or rushing to fix things. That kind of support can make a big difference.

 A close-up of expressive artwork created by Soneye Michael.

I’m an artist. Drawing is my escape. When I put pencil to paper, I’m able to express feelings that are hard to say out loud. It’s my way of making sense of the chaos inside and finding some peace.

Besides art, my faith keeps me grounded. The Word of God and God Himself are my anchors through tough times.

Have you tried therapy? If yes, how was it? If no, why?

I haven’t tried therapy yet. It’s mostly because I can’t afford it right now. But I believe it could help, and I hope to try it when I get the chance.

Any last words you'd like to leave with readers?

If you see someone breaking down, don’t turn away. They need your support more than you might think. Sometimes just being there can save a life.

Michael's story is a powerful reminder that men’s mental health matters deeply and that breaking the silence starts with honest conversations like this one. Art, faith, and connection offer different paths to healing, but the key is that no man should have to carry his pain alone.

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, or other mental health challenges, reach out because healing begins when we break the silence.

It’s not uncommon to hear people say they haven’t tried therapy because it feels out of reach financially. But often, that belief comes from not knowing what options actually exist. At Tranqbay, we’re changing that.

We offer affordable therapy plans tailored to fit your budget, because your healing shouldn't have to wait for your wallet to catch up. You don’t have to choose between getting help and staying afloat.

If cost has been the barrier, it doesn’t have to be anymore. Let’s make healing possible together.

What men really want you to know about mental health. Raw, honest, and unfiltered. Breaking stigma and redefining strength through a candid interview.

What Men Want You to Know About Mental Health: A Candid Interview

Do you also think affirmations are disillusioning, deceitful, and pretentious? Is that your perception?

Many people assume that affirmations are nothing more than sugar-coated lies or empty phrases people repeat to feel better while their problems remain untouched. To some, it sounds like denial, like standing in the middle of a storm and saying, “

That is untrue. We hope that by the time you’re done reading this, you will come to see affirmations differently. 

Affirmations are positive statements you intentionally repeat to challenge and control negative or unhelpful thoughts. They’re not magical words or instant solutions. They don’t make your bank account fill up or your problems disappear overnight. But what they can rewire how you think. And that changes how you act, how you feel, and how you show up for your life.

You know yourself best, so your affirmations should be tailored to your current situation. Whether you're struggling with a job loss, battling low self-esteem, healing from a breakup, or simply trying to stay afloat mentally — your affirmations can (and should) speak to that directly. 

In the context of mental health, affirmations can be powerful tools. While they might not change anything physically, their effects on the mind are significant. 

Research suggests that affirmations can help reduce stress and promote a more optimistic mindset.

Daily affirmations can really help with anxiety and depression. When we feel anxious, our minds often get stuck in worry and fear. Affirmations break that cycle by helping us focus on positive thoughts that bring calm. 

For people dealing with depression, affirmations can help shift the feeling of hopelessness to a reminder of our worth and strength. Repeating these positive statements each day gradually helps us feel better about ourselves, and over time, it can reduce feelings of sadness. 

When used consistently, affirmations can give you a glimpse of how far you can go even when your current situation is far from perfect. They don’t replace therapy or action, but they do support them.

They work hand-in-hand with techniques used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), where people learn to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more empowering ones.

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Let’s be clear that using affirmations doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It’s not about ignoring reality or avoiding your problems. That would be delusional, and affirmations are not meant to encourage such.

Instead, they help you reframe your reality. They offer an intentional shift from self-doubt to self-belief. When paired with action, affirmations become a support system for your mental and emotional well-being.

You don’t need a fancy journal or morning sun to start using affirmations. What you need is intention, consistency, and your own voice.

Keep Them Visible: Sticky notes on your mirror, wardrobe, bathroom door, anywhere you’ll see them.

Use Your Phone: Set reminders or wallpaper with your affirmations.

Speak Them Out Loud: Don’t just think them, declare them. Saying it with your own voice reinforces the message in your brain.

Be Consistent: Just like exercise, results come with repetition. It might feel silly at first, but over time, your brain starts to adopt the message.

Start Small: Choose 2–3 affirmations and say them daily for at least 30 seconds.

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Many people don’t realize they practice affirmations daily – just negatively. You might not have written them down or said them aloud, but if you’re constantly thinking, “

,” those are affirmations, too, just unhelpful ones.

Affirmations aren’t foreign. They’re familiar. You’ve just got to turn them in your favor.

If you're not sure where to start, here are a few affirmations that support mental health and emotional well-being. You can tweak them to suit your current needs:

I am allowed to feel and process my emotions.

I am not my mistakes. I am learning and growing.

I matter, even when I don’t feel like I do.

I trust myself to make decisions that support my healing.

We’re still in Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to try something that uplifts your mindset. 

Affirmations are not magical fixes, but they are powerful tools. They help you take charge of your thoughts, challenge harmful patterns, and support your healing process.

Start where you are and speak what you need. Also remember your voice is one of your greatest tools for transformation.

 helpful for enhancing emotional clarity and fostering personal growth.

Discover how affirmations can boost your mental health, reduce stress, and build self-confidence. Learn practical ways to use them daily.

Daily Affirmations for Mental Health

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2025 is here to remind us that children’s mental health matters just as much as adults’. If a child bursts into tears over a broken crayon, we might laugh it off, but sometimes, it’s about more than just a crayon. It could be the only thing they feel in control of in their world.

Today, May 7, is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. It serves as a powerful reminder that children, just like adults, face mental health challenges. This day is not just a formality, it’s a national call to open our eyes to what our children may be silently going through.

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

Awareness days help spotlight issues that are often swept under the rug. They challenge silence and create safe spaces for conversations. 

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of children's mental health and the need for early intervention and treatment. It is also a time to celebrate the resilience of children and youth who experience mental health challenges, and to recognize the critical role that family and community play in promoting mental well-being.

It encourages communities to acknowledge that children have mental health needs that are just as real and pressing as those of adults.

Across the country, various organizations are hosting events and campaigns to highlight the importance of children’s mental health. From school assemblies and workshops to social media campaigns and mental health screenings, the day is being used to spark conversations that matter.

When mental health is mentioned, people by default tend to picture an adult battling stress, anxiety, or depression. Rarely do we pause to think; do children go through these conditions as well?

There is a long-standing notion that childhood is a carefree time, free of life’s pressures and troubles. That children are too young to feel anxiety, experience depression, or be deeply affected by trauma. But this isn’t true.

Mental health isn’t a part of a person that waits for adulthood to kick in. The mind and body develop together. Every child has the potential to experience emotional struggles that, if left unnoticed, can evolve into something more serious. In fact, 1 in 6 children aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the CDC.

While certain mental health issues may be more common in adults, challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral disorders frequently appear in childhood. And sadly, the stigma attached to mental health still extends to children.

Awareness days like this exist to challenge those mindsets. To shine a light on the silent battles children face and create platforms where they are seen, heard, and supported.

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Mental health challenges in children often show up differently than in adults. Some signs are easy to miss or misinterpret as simply "acting out." Don't just assume they’ll grow out of it. These are a few indicators to pay attention to:

Excessive worry or fear, especially around daily routines

Difficulty concentrating or a drop in academic performance

Frequent outbursts or aggressive behavior

Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause

Being observant and asking gentle, open-ended questions can go a long way in identifying if a child is in distress.

Now that you have been enlightened and your assumptions addressed, how can you help? The answer lies in intentional support.

1.  In families, it starts with listening. Don’t belittle their emotions. If a child says they’re scared of school or anxious about friendships, don’t write it off as drama or attention-seeking. Small problems in their world can feel overwhelmingly big.

2.  Parents and caregivers should seek support from certified counselors or therapists when signs of distress persist. Early intervention is key to long-term well-being.

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3. Schools play a major role. Teachers should be trained to recognize when a        child is not just being stubborn or difficult, but is possibly dealing with emotional struggles. Classroom environments should be safe spaces, not pressure cookers.

 4.  Policy makers, too, have a role. Mental health strategies should be integrated into school policies, with funding allocated to training, school counselors, and wellness programs.

You don’t need a stage to make an impact. There are small but powerful ways to show your support:

Donate to a children’s mental health organization.

Children are not too young to struggle. And because of that, they are not too young to be supported either.

As we observe National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, let it be more than a date on the calendar. Let's continue to choose to listen better, support earlier, and love more intentionally.

Mental health matters at every age. Especially when the age is young enough to be shaped by the love, presence, and attention of those who care.

 a licensed child and adolescent therapist

 or start your journey toward better mental health for your child today.

Support National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day by learning the signs, breaking the stigma, and helping kids thrive emotionally and mentally.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2025

Taking care of your mental health is important every day. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference in building resilience, reducing stress, and maintaining emotional well-being. This guide provides 30 simple, actionable ways to care for your mental health, anytime you want to start.

With millions affected by depression and anxiety, consistently caring for your mental health can be a powerful preventive tool, especially when treatment is out of reach for many. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide experience mental health challenges each year. The numbers tell a bigger story that mental health struggles are more common than we often realize.

Mental health often gets overlooked until stress, burnout, or anxiety takes over. Caring for your mental health proactively helps prevent problems before they escalate, and it allows you to show up fully in your relationships, work, and daily life Taking small, intentional steps each day helps you handle life’s ups and downs with more ease and maintain a calm, clear mind.

30 Simple Ways to Care for Your Mental Health

You can approach this as a 30-day challenge or simply pick the activities that fit your lifestyle. These activities are designed to be easy, flexible, and practical, so anyone can start immediately.

Practice mindfulness for 5 minutes in the morning.

Call a friend or family member for a quick check-in.

Take a 5-minute self-check to see if you are taking on too much.

Try deep breathing exercises when stressed.

Take a 10-minute break to step outside and enjoy fresh air.

Practice positive self-talk when you make mistakes.

Prioritize sleep; aim for 7–8 hours nightly.

Unplug from social media for at least one hour.

Engage in a creative hobby like drawing, writing, or cooking.

Share helpful mental health resources with friends or colleagues.

Read a book or watch something that makes you laugh.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and energized.

Learn something new to stimulate your brain.

Be gentle with yourself during tough days.

Take breaks during work or study to avoid burnout.

Find a support group to share experiences and advice.

Reflect on your progress and celebrate small victories.

Choose activities that help you feel grounded and happy.

The goal is not to create a rigid routine, but to encourage daily care for your mental well-being. By committing to even a few of these practices consistently, you can gradually build resilience, wellness, and emotional stability. Your mental health matters, and you deserve to thrive every single day.

Boost your mental well-being with 30 simple daily activities. Start anytime and take steps to care for your mind, reduce stress, and build resilience

One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a provider to address personal concerns, emotions, and behaviors. 

Individual Therapy

Counseling sessions that involve multiple family members to address relationship dynamics, conflicts, and family-related issues.

Family Therapy

Therapeutic sessions conducted with a small group of individuals who share similar issues or goals, 
providing support and shared experiences.

Group Therapy

Therapy sessions involving couples to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance the 
quality of their relationship.

Couples Therapy

A consultation session for clients who may be unsure of their needs and would like guidance on the best next steps.

Initial Consultation

Specialized therapy for children and teenagers to address age-specific emotional and behavioral 
challenges. 

Child & Adolescent Therapy

Trauma and PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing shocking, dangerous, or frightening events. Our specialized therapists help clients process traumatic memories, reduce triggering responses, and develop coping strategies to reclaim a sense of safety and control in their lives.

Work with trauma-informed therapists to heal at your own pace in a supportive environment.

Mental Health Awareness

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