May is Mental Health Awareness month and as it comes to an end, so does my Mental Illness article series. The third and final part was very interesting to research and write. I took to social media and asked people to answer a fill-in-the-blank relating to their mental illness. Each response states the mental illness the respondent is battling, as well as shares a little bit more of the respondent's story.
The amount of responses I received was so exciting. It's so important to bring attention to mental illnesses because people often don't realize how many people they can individually affect and how this effect can affect many others. Thank you to everyone who helped out and submitted a response.
"I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but I am not less of a person because of it."
People sometimes treat me like a baby because of this. I know how to handle myself in lots of situations, it is usually just harder for me.
"I have struggled with Anorexia for years, and yes it is a mental disorder."
People assume that Anorexia is not mental and it's purely physical, but it's almost all in your head. It is a mental disorder that affects me physically.
"I have Clinical Depression, but no, I'm not just really sad."
Depression is an actual disorder that can strongly affect people. It's not just a bad mood or feeling down about yourself. It's a constant state of feeling very low.
"I was diagnosed with OCD 3 years ago, and this is something to take very seriously."
People use the term 'OCD' very lightly, and I think this is a real problem. OCD is a very intense disorder and it's not something to joke about. People say things like, "I am so OCD when it comes to my desk". That's not OCD. Please learn a little more before you throw the term around.
"I have ADD, and this is an actual mental disorder."
I see and hear so much about kids getting diagnosed with ADD just so they can have medication. They don't realize that there are people who really struggle with ADD and rely on medication, but instead there are people out there who abuse it and make it seem like a joke.
"I have Anxiety, and I'm not doing it for attention."
Depression and anxiety are just seen as overrated and not important because they've become such common things. I'm not having panic attacks and crying in public and freaking out over something that others might see as nothing because I want the attention. They're actual struggles that I have! Whether it's shopping or just hanging out with friends, my anxiety is constantly there.
"I have Bipolar Disorder, but it is nothing to joke about."
Sometime I hear people joking around saying, "Oh, you're so bipolar" when in reality, they just had a small mood swing. Bipolar disorder is much more than that.
"I have a Severe Anxiety Disorder, but I am so much more than that."
I love to read and write and sing and dance. I love to hang out with friends, watch movies, go shopping. Please don't assume that just because I have an anxiety that I am not willing or unable to do things. Being invited to do something, even if I might not be able to, means so much to me. I am so much more than my mental illness.
For more information on mental illnesses go to: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions
If you or anyone you know is struggling, please take advantage of the following:
Mental Illness Hotline: 800-950-NAMI
Crisis Call Center: 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863
Suicide Hotline: 800-784-2433
Eating Disorder Association Hotline: 800-931-2237
National Mental Health Association Hotline: 800-273-8255
