All
it takes is a beautiful fake smile to hide an injured soul
If someone is "sick"
in the traditional sense, the person doesn’t hesitate to treat their disease.
Why do people think differently when it comes to mental illnesses? Mental
illnesses are diseases that affect our brain,
which is one of the most vital organs in our body. In most cases, people are
afraid to seek treatment because they'll be judged by others. It is sad, but
that is just the type of society we are part of. That shouldn’t be the case
because it only creates more problems than it solves. There are also
self-stigmas, however, such as thinking less of yourself because of your mental
health.
Because of this public
perception, it seems a mental health "stigma" has run rampant amidst
our society. People suffering from common mental health illnesses such as
depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder are put in a position of shame
because of their supposed mental "shortcomings." Those who seek treatment
and medication often keep their condition a well-guarded secret, while the
remaining number of afflicted people will never seek help because of embarrassment
and fear of judgment.
I'm here to tell you we need to
make a change.
When I tell people that I have
suffered from major depressive disorder for the majority of my life, they're
shocked. The truth is, depression has no profile. It has no specific target. It
can happen to absolutely anyone. At the beginning of my mental health
treatment, I was slightly ashamed of myself. Most days getting out of bed was
nearly impossible, and going outside and joining society was out of the
question. I was inexplicably sad, all of the time, and covered in a shroud of
self-pity and internalized hatred. Why was I unable to be like
"normal" people? I found my footing and regained the confidence and
tools to start living my life.
The thought of people, just
like me, suffering in silence for fear of criticism is heartbreaking. Not only
is it saddening, it's destructive. Each year, thousands of Americans die from
untreated mental illnesses, the majority of these deaths being suicides. It is
our jobs as humans, to support those who suffer from mental afflictions. There
should be no shame associated with suffering from anxiety or depression, as it
is quite simply out of our control.
Let's change the dialogue.
Let's uplift others instead of casting them into the dark. If you suffer from a
mental health related issue - you are not alone. You are not less beautiful,
less intelligent, or less of a person. You are strong, capable and worthy of
love.
