Mental Illness IS A Disease, Until We Accept That, We Won't Be Able To Confront It

Lately, mental health has been a huge topic of discussion within our country. It does not discriminate, mental health affects the rich and poor. It affects the children who are growing up in broken families, people who feel unworthy, our soldiers suffering from awful things, and yes mental health affects me.

As I nervously paced a psychiatrist's office one day, I knew for sure I would not make it through this meeting without crying, using an entire box of tissues. As I sat and told "my story" and yes we all have a story, I felt uncomfortable and awkward. I was not sure how I was coming off as I explain the things that haunt me each night and the hours I spend battling demons in my head. So why? Why me? Why the PTSD soldiers? And why does it affect celebrities who could get everything they have ever wanted plus more?

When news broke of Mac Miller's overdose, I felt my heart hurt a little more. I had realized something I think we all did after Kate Spade, Demi's attempt, and Miller's attempt at taking their own lives. No amount of success or money can buy you happiness. No amount of Instagram followers or Twitter likes will keep you from suffering from mental health issues. If you beg to differ, here's my attempt at shedding light on the ideas that mental health has a special "cure." It doesn't.

As I try to convey the message here, I want you to be aware that I believe mental health can be just as dangerous to the human body as other illnesses. It can hide behind a pretty face, a strong man, and the biggest smile. It's not a one-time thing. People wake up and feel trapped and isolated and alone, all because this one disease has the power to completely change the way you view life. It's scary. I have been on the same rollercoaster as much as everyone else. I have had all my highs and lows and trust me, the panic that overcomes me when I am alone forces me to escape the world in any way I can.

With that being said, stop judging. Stop saying mental health is not an illness, it is. Stop putting down celebrities for the same thing we "normal" people all suffer from. Nobody is exempt and nobody is ever going to just escape it. Stop being insecure, stop being jealous of each other, stop showing hate on silly things. God designed us each differently. You are who you are; embrace it. So I beg of you, do not stop reaching out to those you love. Do not stop advocating. If you suffer, don't push yourself past your limits. Be brave enough to speak up and admit that you are struggling. Have enough strength to admit to your imperfections. The battle in your head is not crazy, however, the world is. So fight. Fight and fight and don't give up.

Love people. Love the world. Love yourself. Fight to make the world a place where mental health is acknowledged and treated as the illness it should be.