A few weeks ago, someone in one of my classes said, “I had depression; it was no big deal.” I was taken aback for a moment as my peer acted completely indifferent about this very serious mental illness. Initially, I was irritated, and even a bit angry, that anyone would say this about such a debilitating condition. As someone who has struggled with depression, I found it offensive that anyone could brush it off so nonchalantly.
I believe (and truly hope) that it was not this person’s intention to disregard the struggle of mental illness; it was an effort to identify as a “normal” person. During my own struggle, I also just wanted to live up to this ideal of a normal person. I went about my life going from school, to work, to dance, to church and tried to act like I was perfectly fine. I did not want people to think of me as weak or different. I too wanted my depression to be seen as no big deal.
However, depression, or any mental illness, is a huge deal. Maybe you are one of the billions of people in the world struggling with one. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and eating disorders are real, and you should not feel afraid to open up about your struggle. But, unfortunately, our society labels people with mental illnesses and eating disorders as weird, crazy, or inadequate and on behalf of them, I apologize.
We have put you in straight jackets and institutions; we’ve shunned you and denied you jobs and a chance at a normal life. You’ve been labeled by your mental illness as if that is the only quality about you that matters. I’m sorry that you feel ashamed for something that is out of your control. I’m sorry so many people have deemed you inadequate. You did not choose to have this mental illness. It’s not your fault, yet all too often we will automatically assume that you are not as capable as the rest of society because the chemicals in your brain are not working ideally. It is no wonder that you often hesitate to admit the reality of your struggle. But what would your life be like if people were different?
When a person has an injury, he or she is usually encouraged to see a physician. A person with a broken leg bone will seek help from an orthopedic surgeon so that he or she can heal properly and walk again. But a person with a broken mind is often disregarded. Society places little importance on mental health and therefore many people do not receive the psychiatric attention they need. How can people be expected to just “get over it and move on” (as is often the case) when they have a mental condition? If it cannot be expected for someone to just get over a physical illness, it cannot be expected for someone to just get over a mental illness.
I want to propose a new ideal. Imagine a society where anyone can boldly say, “I have a mental illness” and not be rejected. I want to see a world where consulting a psychologist, or psychiatrist, and taking care of your mental health are not things to be ashamed of. Envision a place where no one has to be afraid of the consequences of admitting their illness. All it takes is two people: the one willing to confess their struggle with mental illness, and the one willing to accept them as they are.
