While I don't necessarily believe in New Years resolutions, I have a goal for this year: to try to end the stigma against mental illnesses, or at least to help lessen the stigma. So far, the only way I know how to do that is by talking about it.

So many people in the world suffer from at least one mental illness, if not more. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults suffer from a mental illness each year, and 24.1% of youth (13-18) do as well. These could be illnesses like depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or more serious ones like schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

What's sad about this is that only about 60% of adults receive some type of help for their illness(es), and not even 50% of youth do. Why is it that these numbers are so low? Why is it that people are so afraid to talk to someone--a family member, friend, professor...literally anyone--when they're struggling? I believe that the more people talk, the less of a stigma there will be.

Another way we can help diminish the stigma is recognizing when we need help. This means being able to recognize it for others, but also for yourself. If your mental illness starts inhibiting your daily life, it's time to talk to someone. If it's hard to sleep, eat, or shower, it's time to talk to someone. If you want to hurt yourself or others, or if you feel hopeless and worthless, it's time to talk to someone. If all you want to do is lie in bed and cry, it's time to talk to someone. These are only a few of the many examples on why you or someone else may need to talk to someone, and there are many more, but knowing these may possibly save a life.

If someone goes to you, please make sure to listen and support them in any way they need. That is also a way to help diminish the stigma against mental health.

I truly believe that we can end the stigma one day. We simply need to start treating mental illness differently