Therapy Myths Women Still Believe: A Women’s History Month Reflection

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the courage, resilience, leadership, and countless contributions women make every day. It’s also a moment to shine a light on something that’s often overlooked: women’s mental health. We forget how common struggles truly can be, and how many of us hold onto beliefs that keep us from getting the support we need and deserve.

I’ll be honest, I’ve believed some of these myths myself in the past. Thoughts like “Other people need it more than I do” or “I should be grateful, things could be worse” often sounded reasonable, even compassionate. But underneath, they were stopping me from getting care and support. These myths may be stopping you too.

Before we explore the myths and truths, let’s look at where women’s mental health stands nationally and right here in Florida.

National Snapshot: Women & Mental Health in The United States

• More than 1 in 4 women in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year, including depression, anxiety, or another disorder.

• About 21.4 % of women report anxiety symptoms, and 10.3 % report a major depressive episode annually.

• Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety and depressive disorders, and younger women especially report higher rates of mental health symptoms than older adults.

• Despite this, less than 30 % of women receive mental health care in a given year.

• Around 1 in 8 women experiences postpartum depressive symptoms, a critical period that often goes undiscussed or untreated.

Data Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC-III)

These numbers, and the reality behind them, remind us that women’s mental health concerns are common, serious, and deserving of attention and care.

Local Focus: Florida Women & Mental Health

• In Florida, approximately 24 % of women ages 18-44 reported frequent poor mental health. (Meaning their mental health wasn’t good for 14 or more days in the past month)

• In terms of depressive symptoms, about 23 % of women in Florida reported symptoms of depression, which is similar to or slightly above many other states.

These local statistics show that the mental health challenges many women face here aren’t unique, but they’re part of a larger pattern affecting women across the country.

Myth: “Other people need therapy more than I do.”

Women are often caregivers (for children, partners, parents, friends), and it’s easy to compare our struggles with those around us. We say, “Someone else has it worse.” But mental health isn’t a contest. If something is affecting you — your relationships, your energy, your ability to enjoy life…that deserves attention. You don’t have to wait until it’s “severe.”

Myth: “I should be grateful. Things could be worse.”

Gratitude is powerful, but it shouldn’t be used as a filter that erases your real feelings. You can deeply appreciate your blessings and still feel overwhelmed, anxious, or sad. Acknowledging how you feel doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful. It means you’re human.

Myth: “I should be able to handle this on my own.”

We’re taught to be strong, to manage our emotions independently. But strength doesn’t mean going at it alone. Asking for help, whether from a friend, therapist, or a chosen community, is a step forward…not a setback.

Myth: “It’s not that serious.”

Just because something isn’t a crisis doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Continual stress, anxiety, low mood, or emotional exhaustion can erode your wellbeing over time. Therapy helps before things get serious and overwhelming, not just after.

Myth: “I don’t want to take up space.”

So many of us shrink ourselves — worried we’ll burden others or seem “too much.” But your feelings matter. Your experiences are worth exploring. Taking up space is part of healing.

Myth: “I don’t even know where I’d start.”

You don’t need the perfect first sentence or a fully formed story. You can start with “I’m not sure what to say.” A therapist’s role is to meet you where you are, and help you make sense of it together.

Because Your Story Matters

Women’s History Month is about celebrating progress and facing truths we’ve stayed quiet about for too long. These myths may have once sounded reasonable, polite, or even strong, but they often keep women from the care and support that could lighten their emotional load.

If any of these myths have sounded familiar, know this: you deserve support without guilt or apology. Our team is here to offer a compassionate space where you can show up just as you are — no pressure, no judgment. Whether you’re processing everyday stress, are in recovery, navigating a big life change, or just want support understanding your emotions, we’re here to walk with you.

You don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to wait.