Living in a world where mental illness has been the center of every movie script, song lyrics, and sitcom special has brought a lot of attention and awareness to the subject. Mental disorders affect almost every single person in this world, whether it is through direct contact, family member or friend.

However, many often forget that mental illness is not something to romanticize about. Popular teen websites such as Tumblr allow bloggers to post "inspiration" threads regarding eating disorders, depression and self-harm encouraging suicidal thoughts and fasting methods.

The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to the fact that mental conditions should not be romanticized and are not something to look up to.

1. Scott, 19

"When I was ten years old my cousin got drug induced schizophrenia which with time turned permanent. He was in his early 20's when it started. He was coming in and out of jail for constant drug use, and other minor offenses related to his drug addiction, which put a lot of stress on my family. We lost the boy we once knew."

2. Leyla, 20

"I was diagnosed with depression when I was twelve years old. I started going to one on one therapy as well as group therapy once a week. I also had weekly psychiatrist visits. The diagnosis affected my parents heavily; constant fighting over money and how to deal with my self-harm eventually drove them apart. They had different opinions and different ways of dealing with my issues. I continue to take antidepressants to this day."

3. Allan, 44

"When I was in my early twenties, my younger sister committed suicide leaving behind her eight-month-old daughter. Growing up in a small town completely closed off to the topic of mental illness and depression, her suicide was a shock to everyone including myself. My family and I hardly ever talk about what happened to this day."

4. Josephine, 19

"About a year ago I overdosed on cocaine and was sent into a PTSD anxiety state called derealization. Although this wasn't my first encounter with mental illness, it was the first time this phenomenon has affected me directly. I was unable to perform to the best of my ability; I saw myself changing and treating those around me differently. I am now eight months sober."

5. Mollie, 18

"My best friend's parents got a divorce when she was very young. Her mother fell into a deep depression once the divorce was finalized. I believe that this sparked her alcohol addiction. Growing up without a father and dealing with her mother's alcoholic tendencies caused my friend to develop depression and suicidal thoughts. She was never vocal or open about her problems. I believe she contemplated suicide very seriously at one point during her high school days. She is happy and healthy now."

6. Tara, 54

"Growing up in the 70s, mental illness wasn't as prevalent as it is today. Kids would play with toys, not razor blades. I am very thankful to not know the pain of watching my own children hurt themselves in such a way. However, I recently discovered that my youngest niece, who just graduated from middle school, has been self-harming along with some of her friends. I wish I could understand what makes a 14-year-old so sad that she has to cut up her own body."

7. Margot, 19

"My first encounter with mental illness was halfway through seventh grade. Two of my best friends were self-harming severely. Somewhere around that time, "finstas" were becoming a big deal, I remember logging in and seeing photos of cut up wrists posted by my own friends. I always wondered why someone would want to inflict more pain on themselves if they were already hurting; I came to the conclusion that it was the only pain in their life that they could control."

8. Garret, 21

"I was young, about eight or nine years old when my mother had her first manic episode. She was screaming at my father in the middle of the night, threatening to hurt herself, my younger brother and myself. I don't remember much except for the fact that my dad carried her outside of the house in hopes of not waking up my brother and I. They continued to fight in the middle of the street until sunrise, I believe she was hospitalized that night. I later found out that my mother was bipolar."

9. Kattie, 19

"I had difficulties eating for as long as I can remember. I was always worried about gaining an extra pound or letting my hip bones not be as prominent as they were in that particular moment. I refused to admit that I had an eating disorder until I lost the majority of my body weight. Years later, I am finally confident and appreciative of my body. I am now at a healthy weight thanks to the constant love and support of my family and friends."

10. Donna, 19

"On one side of my family there isn't really a trace of mental illness, however on the other side depression and anxiety are very prevalent. Throughout my whole life, or for as long as I can remember, I would often experience random bursts of stress and hyper behavior. I would get the feeling of butterflies in my stomach, however, it made me feel nauseous rather than that giddy excited feeling we often associate with butterflies. I always thought that it was normal to feel this way and that everyone feels a little anxious once in a while. Recently I finally acknowledged that this isn't just stress and that I actually have a mental illness. I am now able to treat my anxiety and live my life easier than I did before."

The experiences described above should not be seen or interpreted as beautiful. All of the participants know one another in real life, however, they are not aware of each other's partake in this article. This article is meant to highlight the fact that everyone is affected by mental illness in one way or another, even though most are not aware of others suffering around them.

Be kind to one another.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts call 1-800-273-8255.

*All names have been altered for the sake of anonymity.