In today's world we analyze politics, social beliefs, and many other concepts in spectrums. Politics are rationalized in the leftmost section or "left wing" being Republicans, and the rightmost or "right wing" being Democrats. The middle of the spectrum creates a gray area where individuals have no distinct affiliation and withhold their own beliefs. This model can even be applied to health concepts, and specifically I will be applying it to the realm of mental health.

Our bodies are wonders, we are a being that runs itself. The operator of this system is the brain, which is molded from a young age. There are influences we cannot control affecting the development of our brains. Such as genetics, circumstance, nutrition, and education. A majority of people are blessed with brains that function in a healthy manner, and guide them into living prosperous lives.

But there are a faction of people who struggle from day to day, to continue upon the path that they have lived thus far. In mental illness, there is a spectrum of effect. How serious the illness can be and how much it has affected an individual's life and livelihood. These are diseases that take a hold of one's brain, as well as the physical manifestation of their lives. The mental effects can take a physical toll on the body, and lead to harmful behaviors.

A once denounced area of health, mental illness, has become a studied area of medicine. Over the 20th century, disease of the mind was initially denied. People who we "sick" were sent away and deemed psychotic, too far gone, and even cursed or possessed. Doctors then decided to moved towards seeking treatment for these individuals, including shock therapies and barbaric means of fixing the ailments.

But fast forward to today, in a world where we are slowly unpacking issues hidden by society. Mental illness has come to light, it has been closeted. Many think; "Everyone experiences this, it is normal and I will work through it myself." This however is not always the solution, and seeking help is sometimes the only way to find strategies that help your own well being. Many people do experience these ailments, and it is perfectly normal.

Struggling through life, and having to deal with that pain in private is however, not fair. An example of someone who took charge of his mental state is Kanye West. In the early 2000's he was at the top of the Hip-Hop charts, and a household name. Beloved, award-winning, suffering, are words that can be used to describe him. Some of his public actions were even questionable, and signal that he had some type of difficulty in his life at the time.

He recently dropped "Ye", which is an homage to his talents and bringing his Bipolar disorder to light. In being open and honest with his inner struggles, it opens the door to those who know or may not know that it is ok to seek help. It gives them motivation and support that it is ok to help yourself. It is difficult because there is certainly criticism behind admitting or thinking that one suffers from anxiety. We are deemed "millennials" turning to medication to solve our problems. But medication is not the only answer, there are other options and alternatives in seeking help. A spectrum of those trying to help, doctors, and those in disbelief of mental illness exists.

Breaking those barriers and helping our fellow humans is important. Acting the change we want in the world creates change in our world. Life is a path of good and bad, a roller coaster, the light 10 feet down the road that we have to strive towards. It is difficult, but rewarding.

If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, be extremely careful in helping them. Do not assert your help, assist where you can. You may seek help at your local counseling resource center. A great resource on this topic is the National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI. The hotline they offer is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).