Mental health has become more and more common,

we talk about it, we hear about it, or read about it.

We see the molds being broken, and the walls being put down. We get that it's becoming more and more accepted within society. Everyone has a struggle, we're all going through something.

It's easy to look at, feel sympathy for, or even overlook sometimes.

But what happens when it's you.

You're the one with mental health issues.

This isn't a "How To" anymore, or a couple encouraging quotes.

I think about this when I watch the News. It's so easy to look at the disaster, and tragedy, to feel bad, but subtly think to yourself, "thank God it isn't me, or anyone I know."

But what happens when it is you?

When it's your town that's been attacked,

at the doctor's office told you have cancer.

We can talk and talk about all of these things, but what do we DO when it's us?

I think if we're honest, we freak out.

And ultimately, ignore it.

Because it's easier to talk about my neighbor's bipolar disorder or my ex-boyfriend's diagnosis, but it's not easy to admit our own issues.

Because if we do, it's real.

If we admit it, then it's true.

But it happens all the time, the happiest people are committing suicide, the ones singing out against depression and substance abuse, are overdosing. We see it all the time.

The ones who are supposed to protect society are harming it, the divorce lawyer is getting a divorce, the personal trainer struggles with an eating disorder.

And it happens because we're human, and we're allowed to make mistakes, but how humbling is that?

How contradictory? Ironic almost?

You're the one encouraging others to be healthy, get better, stay motivated, and you can't even do it yourself?

But that's because none of us are better than anyone else, we struggle with many of the same mental health issues, and we can talk as if we "know," or as if we've maybe overcome something, and maybe we have, but there will always be more.

There's always going to be another issue, another hurdle to overcome.

You can be so strong, so popular, and motivating, and be just as weak as everyone else. And not have all the answers, and not fully understand.

But most of us just want someone to listen to us, someone to hear us.

Even if they don't have all the answers.

I support mental health awareness, I support help and counseling, but I also support 100% honesty.

That even our counselors and our mental health advocates are weak and struggling.

And maybe, that's you.

But it's nothing to be ashamed of.

None of us are exempt from the pains of mental health, it affects all of us.