The conversation about mental illness is now one that is everywhere. From Lady Gaga's appearance in "A Star is Born" (a film about a toxic romantic relationship) to Selena Gomez's recent hospitalization for depression, people are becoming more aware that mental illness doesn't discriminate.

In order to seek professional help for her depression, Selena Gomez announced on Instagram with a selfie that she is "taking a social media break." Her openness about her struggles with depression and anxiety after her kidney transplant break down the celebrity veil that hides a star's character.

As well, Lady Gaga and Demi Lovato's forthright decision to be transparent about their mental illnesses (Lady Gaga has said that she has PTSD from being raped at nineteen; Lovato and her family has talked about her substance abuse and eating and Bipolar disorders) gives their fans a glimpse into their daily lives.

Being able to see these celebrities as who they are and not what the camera wants us to see has let me talk about my struggles with Bipolar disorder without hesitation. I don't feel afraid to tell others that I am dealing with severe paranoia or depression because I admire these three women for their causes. I can talk about my road to recovery and its many setbacks, knowing that many others, including celebrities, have felt the same way.

As well, I know that despite my success and stability, I will have setbacks as Demi Lovato as shown me. It's hard to predict when it will happen, but Selena Gomez's preventive measures with her illness have inspired me to take careful measures as well.

Talking about mental illness is the hardest thing you can permit yourself to do, especially if you suffer from it. Everyone judges because, before the rise of social media, mental illness was barely talked about. There is the stigma that if you have a diagnosis, you are messed up and/or selfish.

Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato though prove that recovery is possible. However, it isn't a linear path; you will have more downs than ups. They also show that we shouldn't punish someone for their setbacks because it could lead to worse consequences.

Having these three strong ladies talk about recovery and their persistent pain allows me to be very honest. Wanting to heal for me involves accountability – and I can't have that if I am not being honest with the people around me about my pain and wellbeing.

Being honest is so important on the road of recovery. It can definitely help you become better eventually; but if no one talks about their problems, we can't know what to work on and improve.

Thanks to Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez, I can talk about my struggles because it is an area in life that needs to change. Thanks to them, I have found a passion to talk about so that others know that they are not alone.