There is nothing I hate more than the stigma that comes with mental illness. The stigma around mental health can lead to the inaccurate and hurtful objectification of people as dangerous and incompetent. Take a moment to walk in someone else’s shoes that is struggling with mental illness. Would you want to be ignored or seen as an outcast because you’re struggling through a difficult time? Would you want someone to act as your lifecoach and have you live by a routine that makes them happy but makes you unhappy? Would you want you and your illness discussed with others before someone discusses it with you? If you believe that someone you love is struggling with a mental illness, make sure to have effiecent and effective communication. The shame and isolation associated with stigma prevents people from seeking the help necessary to live healthy and full lives. If you’re worried about someone, tell them and let them know that you’re there for them along with being a good listener with an open heart.
It is not easy to reach out for help.
It is impossible to magically rewire your own brain to fix a mentall illness.
There is nothing wrong with getting professional help.
There is nothing wrong with getting help through medications.
People struggling with mental illness are not living it as a “trend.”
People struggling with side effects such as sleeping too little or too much aren’t doing it because they are too lazy or want to purposely miss an event.
Appetite cannot always be controlled when suffering with a mental illness.
Do not tell someone “chill out,” “just ignore it,” or “just think about something else.”
Life is difficult and we are allowed as humans to not always be alright.
For those of you that don’t struggle with mental illness but want to be a good support system for all who are, here are some tips to break the stigma:
- Remind those around you that are struggling that you’re there for them. Even if you don’t fully understand, be there for your hurting friend, family member, or even a stranger. Just listen and love.
- If you’re worried about an individual sleeping too much or too little, talk to them first to see if they are okay. However, it is their life and they have every right to make their own decisions on their sleep habits.
- Make sure they know that you are there to help them through the journey towards being their best possible self.
- Make sure they know they are loved.
- Don’t exclude them just because of what they’re going through. If you want to be there for your friend, do an activity that will fill you both will happiness, joy, and love.
- Be who you are. If the person who is struggling with anxiety and depression is brave enough to open up to you about what they’re struggling with and show you their most vulnerable self, be your authentic self.
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, you have every right to seek help and you deserve to have an amazing group of people supporting you.
You are worthy of living the best life possible.
You have every right to enjoy the wonderful world we live.
You are loved.
You are worthy.
You are someone’s reason to smile.
Stay strong.
xoxo
-LNM
photo 1: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2271298/thumbs/o-ROBOT-HUGS-570.jpg?6