“Stop telling people that no one will love them until they learn to love themselves. Stop planting the idea in people’s heads that they are unworthy of love because of their own struggle.”

May of 2016 was Mental Health Awareness month. It is important that we take some time to at least gain a better understanding of some of the mental illness many of us face, normally on a daily basis.

Life with Anxiety –

an illness based on extreme fear that affects the body, thoughts and behaviors. There are several types of this disorder and is the most common mental illness in the U.S. It affects 40 million adults (18 or older), this is 18% of the population.

Life with Depression –

an illness that involves an extended period of feeling extremely low and can disrupt the ability to enjoy life. This illness can affect the body, thought and behaviors. Nearly 7% of American adults in 2014 experiences a major depressive episode (about 15 million people).

Life with Bipolar –

an illness that involves extreme mood shifts called mania and depression. This can affect the thoughts and behaviors of the individual. It affects nearly 5 million American adults 18 and older.

Life with Psychosis –

an illness that involves a change in perception of reality. This affects the body, behaviors and thoughts. Nearly 3.5% of all people will experience psychosis in their lifetime.

Life in Recovery –

a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness. Recovery is possible for all stages of mental illness. The sooner you start, the easier it is.

This year’s theme is Life with a Mental Illness which is encouraging people to share their stories with others. You can tag your stories with #mentalillnessfeelslike or can submit it directly to the Mental Health America site. (mentalhealthamerica.net/feelslike) Sharing your story can not only help you individually, and those that identify with your story, but it can help to dispel the negative thoughts, attitudes, and stigmas on mental illness. My own personal story can be found at the following link:

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-no-one-talks-...

“Once you have accepted your flaws, no one can use them against you.”

All definitions and statistics are found from the following websites: mentalhealthamerica.net , adaa.org , dbsalliance.org