Mental illness is one of the most difficult stigmas for any person to overcome in today's society. The connotation typically associated with metal illness makes it that much more difficult for those suffering to come forward and be honest about who they are. Therapy is often accompanied by the same sort stigma, perpetuating the out-dated notion that mental illness is an irreparable tag on one's personality.

Going back to therapy last week was not something I was initially thrilled about. It wasn't that I had a bad experience the first time around. In fact, I landed one of the most supportive counselors I've ever met right off the bat. It was solely based on the ringing reminder that some of the people closest to me think, "Therapy is for crazy people."

It's comments like these that tear down whats left of a victim. All hope of help can be flushed away with a little self-doubt, which often accompanies those suffering from any form of mental health issue in the slightest.

Don't ever be ashamed to ask for help. Although it might make you feel more vulnerable than you'd like, it doesn't make you any less of a man, woman or human being. No one is perfect, and no one should be expected to be. And above all, don't forget you're never alone.

Need some convincing? Here are a few numbers to make you feel better about your situation:

One in four adults (people ages 18 and older) currently live with a diagnosable mental health disorder. Three-fourths of that population see their mental illness start by the age of 25. The most common time for mental illnesses to appear? Age 14.

Take it from someone who's experienced these issues from the front lines. For years, I have watched countless friends of mine turn down help due to the stigma surrounding therapy. As disappointing as it sounds, who can blame them? Who would want to receive more negative feedback about themselves than they already are?

We as a society have become far too desensitized to the concept of mental health disorders, and it's time to recognize it. Singer Demi Lovato, a former Disney Channel star, called out her former employer for mocking a disorder that took her out of the limelight, and ultimately off of the channel itself.

What happened to the days of "That's So Raven" when that same company promoted acceptance?

It's that very issue that makes acceptance difficult for victims themselves to obtain. Suicide has even been found to be the second leading cause of death among college students. 1,000 students commit suicide on college campuses across the United States year round.

It's our job as friends, family and neighbors to protect those unwillingly disposed to such issues. No, this isn't being politically correct. This is being a decent human being. It doesn't take much to have a heart and think about what you're actually saying or conveying.

People with mental illnesses can't help the way their minds function, so there's no reason to make it any worse than it already is. Telling someone of this mental state, "It's all in your head," only reminds them of the restrictions they're bound by in their mind which remain entirely out of their control.

These stigmas are what make it so difficult to defeat this epidemic we find growing exponentially across the modernized world. There should be no shame in getting help for oneself when needed, yet we still find this running rampant across college campuses and throughout households across the United States and the rest of the developed world.

So don't forget: help is always out there. If you ever need some reassurance, remember that random author that told you it was okay. Remember that these stigmas are the fault of society, not yours. Remember that Robin Williams capitalized his career off of his mental illness. He's shown us there are two paths you can take.

Take path one, and you will find happiness within yourself you never imagined possible. Life is limitless when your heart and mind are boundless. Take the other path, however, and you'll find society and the media continue to hype up the same stereotype that killed Robin Williams.

From one victim to another, please never forget that there is help. There is hope. There is a helping hand out out there waiting to help you to your feet. You aren't alone, and you never will be.

Suicide hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (open 24 hours a day)