I've heard people say that everybody has anxiety and that it isn't something that you should complain about or something that you should be worried about. It's normal and it happens, so just stick it out and you'll be fine. Well, they were wrong. What they don't tell you is how it can take over your life, consume your every thought and interfere with what makes you who you are.
It's time to stop hiding behind this cloud of happiness and dive right into what is wrong. It is time to stop believing what others say and to share with the world who you really are and what you struggle with. No one should ever have to live in fear of talking about something that bothers them or that is affecting their life.
That is why it is time to #endthestigma and start talking.
Not only does this affect people around you, but people you know who have never opened up. On college campuses, for example, it is something that happens all around us. For some people it's normal, and it's just anxiety about a test that they need to pass. For others, it is much worse. It is all the constant thoughts in your head saying you'll never pass this test because you're not smart enough, you're not good enough. The list goes on and on and on...
It is said that 62% of people who drop out of college do so due to a mental illness. Now, that is not all cases, but it is something that is contributing to our generation. That is because it is looked at as a negative thing. That having a mental illness will make other people see you a different way and that is not something you want. Instead of being open and honest, we are told to hide away from the world and pretend that everything is okay.
When you tell someone to do that, to stuff what they are feeling inside, it breaks them. It makes them feel even worse and that is what makes it worse. This is what could lead to possible suicides in the future.
It is time to take a stand for all of the people in this country who have a mental illness. It is time to stop putting on a brave face and pretending that everything is just dandy and just try to make it through another day.
It is time to talk about it.
Be bold, be strong and courageous to help others around you. If you follow a Christain faith, put some of that into others and not be selfish about it. Share what you have to share but also take the time to listen to the other person.
All people are ever really looking to do is to talk about it. To finally find that one person who just fully understand what they're going through and will not make them feel crazy. They tell themselves that enough, they don't need other people pointing it out too.
Stand united and start talking. That is the way to end the stigma.
