Mental Health Awareness Week: Six common myths about children’s wellbeing

Posted: 11th May 2026

One in five children and young people experience mental health challenges – and this number is on the rise.

At SELFA, we offer a variety of support to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health needs across Skipton and surrounding area. This is delivered through one-to-one and group support in schools and community settings.

On Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to debunk some common misconceptions and shed light on the truths behind children’s mental health.

❌ Myth: Children are too young to feel anxious

✅ Fact: Anyone can experience anxiety, stress and worry, even young children

Children can experience anxiety as a normal reaction to changes, such as starting nursery or school. They can also experience social anxiety, for example, if they’re in busy or loud environments. Children might not be able to put their feelings into words, but anxiety can manifest in many ways – like headaches and stomach aches, wanting to avoid school, irritability or anger.

“Big feelings don’t wait for age, they show up when something feels too much, and children often express that through their bodies and behaviour long before they can explain it,” says SELFA chief officer Emma Pears.

❌ Myth: Children will “grow out of” mental health problems

✅ Fact: Some worries or phases pass, but not all mental health difficulties disappear on their own

Conditions like anxiety or depression can persist and even worsen without support. Early understanding and help from parents, teachers, or professionals can make a significant difference in long-term wellbeing.

Myth: ‘Bad’ behaviour is just naughtiness, not a sign of distress

❌ Myth: ‘Bad’ behaviour is just naughtiness, not a sign of distress

✅ Fact: Children often communicate emotions through behaviour because they don’t yet have the language to explain how they feel

Strong emotions like anger, withdrawal or defiance can sometimes be signals of underlying stress, anxiety or unmet emotional needs, not simply ‘bad behaviour’.

Myth: Talking about mental health will put ideas into a child’s head

❌ Myth: Talking about mental health will put ideas into a child’s head

✅ Fact: Open, age-appropriate conversations actually help children feel safe and understood

Asking about feelings doesn’t create problems. It makes it easier for children to share what’s already there and seek support when they need it.

❌ Myth: Good parenting prevents children from developing mental health problems

✅ Fact: Even in loving, supportive families, children can experience mental health challenges

All sorts of factors can contribute to the development of mental health problems, like school and social pressures and life events. What does make a difference is how adults respond – listening, validating feelings and seeking support when needed are all essential.

❌ Myth: You only need to take care of your mental health if you have a mental health condition

✅ Fact: Everyone can benefit from taking active steps to promote their wellbeing

“Everyone can take active steps and engage in healthy habits to optimise their physical health,” says Cat Williams, SELFA’s programme manager for mental health.

“Mental health is part of being human. It shifts with stress, sleep, hormones, relationships, work, money worries, life changes and it deserves the same everyday care we give our bodies.”

How SELFA supports children’s mental health

Our children & young people’s workers are passionate about providing early intervention support. They provide a calm, safe space to help the child or young person create positive coping strategies, explore and understand difficult emotions, and engage in peer support.

You can check out our groups and activities here: https://www.selfa.org.uk/what-we-offer/