In light of recent events (aka my role model Demi Lovato being hospitalized), I think it's time I talk about a very serious issue in our country. Mental illness.

After news of Demi being rushed to the hospital from a supposed heroin overdose (it wasn't heroin, but something else), there were many comments posted about addiction on social media. Some were positive, telling Demi to stay strong. Others were ridiculing her for overdosing.

Many people in the United States do not understand the severity of mental illness and what it can do to a person. In fact, many of you probably have no idea that there are over 200 different forms of mental illness.

There are the common ones you have heard of, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. But other ones, such as addiction, anxiety, and anorexia, are also extremely common and completely misunderstood.

People who suffer from mental illnesses are not just people who are "feeling sorry for themselves" or people who "are calling out for attention." In fact, people who suffer from mental illnesses are more likely to try and cheer everyone else up. They don't like asking for help. They don't want attention to be placed on their mental illness.

Those who suffer from any sort of mental illness should be given the same amount of respect. You don't see people making fun of people with dementia, which is also considered a mental illness.

Sure, mental illness cannot be physically seen, but that doesn't make it any less real. Some people grew up in an agonizing environment or some went through traumatic events. Whatever the case, mental illness should not be seen as someone being weak. You don't tell someone who has cancer that they're weak. You tell them they are strong. You tell them that they will get through this. Why can't you do the same for people with mental illness?

There are some burdens that we cannot share with others, some demons that we cannot shake loose, but there should always be a shoulder to lean on. If you are the type of person to ridicule someone for having inner demons, you should be ashamed of yourself.

It's time that more people start talking about this horrible, horrible disease. It's time that the conversation grew. Not only for the celebrities who suffer, but for each and every single person that has ever suffered from mental illness. It's time to speak up.