As a person who was devastated by the diagnosis of anxiety attacks, trying to figure myself out was hard enough. I found helpful groups, people who also had the same problem, and even apps. A year later and I’m stronger mentally than I’ve ever been. I’ve been labeled as “crazy” and schizophrenic. Your words hurt more than anything we have to deal with. We are all a little crazy inside but internally we have no idea who we are. Even those who deal with mental disorders such as schizophrenia should be supported and not put down. Many people don’t realize how terrible their words are to those suffering these disorders until they go through it themselves. All it takes to push someone over the edge is the comments like crazy, psycho, and you don’t have it as bad as some people. You never know how bad a person is feeling inside. They could smile through all the pain and seem like they have so many friends but deep down they feel so lost and alone. Maybe the odd people are actually the nice and kind-hearted ones.
The mental illness labels are thrown around so much that people who are sad think they are depressed and try to get on medication. Sometimes all it takes is for a person to find a passion, make new friends, or exercise more. Don’t be the person to sit back and do nothing. Do not be the person throwing around the labels. Take the progressive action and tell someone they are doing a great job with whatever they are doing. Our generation is the one that needs to fix the attitude we created: smile at people, hold the door, and use your manners. These things alone can tell a person that they are needed and wanted.
If you find yourself wanting to throw a label at someone who is hurting, think about your actions for a few hours before you say it. The old saying about being in someone else’s shoes applies to these types of issues. This could make you a better and happier person. No matter if you are having a bad day or not, try and be positive and make others feel happier around you. When people tell me that I make them smile or laugh, that makes me in turn feel like a positive person. Be the person to change the way we think. Surround yourself with the most positive people you can find and become like them! One day you will look back at how you treated someone badly and regret all of those hurtful words you used. Change yourself now to save yourself the hurt later in life.
