Mental illness is currently affecting over 40 million Americans. Why is it that when we hear the phrase we automatically think the person is suffering from some kind of crazy person disorder? Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. It is actually something that requires a great deal of strength and resilience to overcome. Mental illness includes conditions such as: anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse and addiction. As college students aspiring to obtain a degree, most of us have experienced at least one of these disorders mentioned above. Does that make us crazy? Of course it doesn’t, but somehow mental illness has this crazy stigma. You really believe that our three pound brains are able to handle all of the struggles in life without breaking down? I think not. There are CEO’s and politicians experiencing some form of mental illness and yet they still manage to be extremely successful. Celebrities such as Chrissy Teigen, Kid Cudi, and Kendall Jenner have come forward about their mental health issues. All of these influential artists have come forward unashamed, as they should. It’s time for everyone to get on board. Mental illness does not mean you are crazy.
An interesting article on the matter: Mental Illness & Stigma
An intense video: Stronger Than Stigma