Society tends to brush off people who have a mental illness as no big deal. We aren’t very good and understanding something we cannot see. If someone breaks their leg, we can visibly see the damage done and are able to imagine their pain. However, when it comes to a mental illness, it is harder for people to understand the thoughts that occur in one’s mind that is hurting. We sweep mental disorder under the carpet and tell people “life is hard sometimes” or “it could be worse, look on the bright side,” Having a mental illness is not just “having a bad day,” it is a constant internal struggle within your mind.

Mental illness is just as, if not more important than physical illness. It is not a joke. It is not “Oh, you’re just having a bad day.” Mental Illness is real, and it affects 43.8 million adults and 20 percent of children ages 13-18 in America. The most common mental illnesses in America are anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Mental disorders are serious and can become dangerous if not treated.

I have many friends and family members who I know struggle with mental health problems in their daily lives. I personal have never been diagnosed with a mental illness, but I have gone through periods where I feel as though darkness has taken over my brain. One bad day turned into a bad week, which turned into a month, which turned into a year. It took every ounce of energy I had just to get out of bed and get dress. I started to not care about anything or anyone, including myself. I began to hate myself, and when you being to hate who you are you can become a danger to yourself. I felt alone and incredibly unhappy. I had friends I was able to talk to about my situation that help me in ways I didn’t know was possible. I was able to overcome my internal battle with my brain, but most people are not as lucky. People who are seriously diagnosed with a mental illness can struggle with their own minds for their entire life.

Getting help for a mental illness or showing support is the most important thing to do. If you are struggling with a mental disorder find someone to talk to about it. You are helping no one by keeping your pain to yourself. If you know someone who battles a mental illness, the key thing do is to show your support; show that person you care about them and offer them help with whatever way they may need.