Today there are so many topics that are considered taboo. We can rarely speak about politics without getting into a fight… Oh! And money is also something you technically aren't supposed to discuss with people either. I sort of understand the controversy with those topics, but why are we so afraid to speak openly about mental health?

In today's society an average of 20% of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition and 50% of mental illnesses begin by the age of 14. Mental health is something that needs to be talked about with the younger generation of kids. Middle schoolers need to be educated so they feel like they can speak up when they notice something is off with their mood or behavior.

I will be the first to speak up.

I am an 18-year-old female struggling with major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I have also struggled with anorexia nervosa, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Each day is a struggle and a battle for me to stay in recovery.

I am not ashamed of my mental illness and what I have been through. When I talk about it people often say, “Oh wow, I am so sorry to hear that.” Or they get very uncomfortable and don’t know what to say or where to look or how to act. Others have the nerve to say, “I can’t be friends with you. Being friends with someone who has mental illness brings too much negativity into my life.” Or even, “Wow, why are you bringing so much negativity into the room?”

The amount of times I have spoken up about my mental illness and have been told I am bringing too much negativity into the room is astonishing. It is those types of people that view mental illness as “negative” that make it difficult for others to speak out. When it is viewed as negative, many shy away from speaking up, which leads to greater risks of suicide, self-harm, alcohol abuse, or other self-injurious behaviors. So, regardless of how many times or how many people tell me I am being negative by sharing my story, I will continue speaking.

There is no reason why I should be put down for sharing my story with the intent to help educate and inspire others. I am not looking for sympathy, pity, or for you to tell me how proud of me you are. Quite frankly, I am sick of hearing how “proud” people are. I just want you to listen to my story, learn something, be inspired, and go out and educate your own circle of friends.

Mental Illness is just like any other illness and should be taken just as seriously. There is no one to blame. It is a chemical imbalance within the brain which is typically treated with therapy, medicine, a combination of the two, or other techniques. It is treated the same way any other serious illness is; with evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Everyone should educate themselves on signs and symptoms of mental illness to be aware of emotional changes in friends, family, or within themselves. Early intervention is important and can prevent the situation from getting more serious down the line.

We have been brought up to be ashamed of our mental health. I personally remember hardly being taught about it in middle school. The first time I came across it and understood what it was, was when I was experiencing drastic mood swings and violent outbursts during 7th grade. I was unaware of how dangerous the thoughts going through my head actually were, and how my actions could affect me and those around me.

There is no reason mental health should not be talked about. It should not be a conversation people avoid; it should be something we speak openly about. There is no reason I or anyone else should be told they are “too negative” or that they “are bringing too much negativity into the room.” Speak up about mental illness. Talk with your friends, families, and doctors and make it an open conversation. There is no reason you should be ashamed to speak up about such a serious issue.