Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, Schizophrenia, Anorexia, OCD: we have all heard of these illnesses at some point in our lives. Some of us may even suffer from these illnesses and may have no idea because of the way society treats mental illnesses. Today, being depressed or having anxiety is just an "annoyance" to those around us because we can't seem to fix ourselves or make ourselves "normal" for them. Our illness is our fault; we are purposely sad, anxious, worrisome, nervous, and helpless. We aren't trying hard enough to be better and actually just want to be nervous and worry, or we would try harder to be better. Our friends and family may seem to not understand anything we are going through—we can't just be happy or forget about the things that bothered us this morning. Trust me when I say, we do try, every day, to fix ourselves, and we hate the way we are as much as our families and friends seem to. We crave to be the person that we were before this mental illness happened, but we can't. We just can't, and no one seems to understand that.

The way society sees mental illnesses today makes my heart hurt—it's just personal problems that weak people have, right? Those who allow themselves to be so depressed from just being sad are weak because they can't make themselves happy, and those who have anorexia don't actually have a disease, they're just crying for attention. Mental illnesses don't exist because it's all about the mindset, and we just need to work on it. Yeah, right.

It's no wonder that so many people with depression commit suicide, those with anxiety feel like they're going to explode, and those with anorexia keep starving themselves. How are they not supposed to feel helpless and alone? The sad part is that everyone seems to notice and recognize mental illnesses, but no one wants to confront the problem until it's too late. They ignore the problem and hope it goes away, making those with mental illnesses feel alone and as if no one will ever be there for them because they're difficult to deal with. Those with mental illnesses don't want to impose their problems on others and often hate themselves just as much as they think their friends hate their disorder. They want to change, but don't know how because they've heard therapy is for the weak and that they shouldn't take medicine because they don't need it.

I'm here to tell you—yes, you, the one suffering every single day, alone—that this is all nonsense. If you are someone who has depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or another mental illness, you need to know that you are not an "annoyance," you are not a "problem," and you are not alone. You can't help the way your brain operates, and if you want to blame something on your so-called "problems," remember that these are in your genes—so blame your parents. I want you to know that there are people out there who will be there for you if you open up to them and ask for help.

You're an amazing person, even with your mental illness. Those with depression can be very creative and more caring about others than themselves. Those with anxiety can be the most energetic and fun people you have ever been around. Those with an eating disorder can be some of the most beautiful people you have ever met. Their illnesses don't define them, just as yours does not define you.

Medicine isn't for the weak, and it can actually help to kill the butterflies on crack in your stomach during an anxiety attack, or stop the dark cloud from pouring on you when you're depressed. Therapy is a great way to see someone who will actually listen, understand, and help you in ways that you never thought were possible.

There are also friends like me, your roommates, your significant other, your professors, your doctors, and your family members who want to be there for you to listen and to help in any way possible. When you want to lay in bed under the fort you made because the world is too hard to face today, we are the ones who will ask to join you and snuggle next to you. When you're having a panic attack and feel as if your world is falling apart, we are the ones who will hold you and try to remind you where you are and that everything is going to be all right. When you feel so ugly and you don't want to eat, we're the ones who will remind you how amazingly beautiful you are. There are people out there for you who love you no matter how difficult you may feel. They want to hold you, and love you, and be there for you. As for anyone who tells you to get over it or doesn't treat your illness as an actual illness, you need to ignore them. They have no idea what you are going through—but I do, and you can get through it. I believe in you.

There are days that are going to be bad. You're going to relapse and think your happiness isn't going to last, but I promise you that things will get better. Your illness doesn't define you—you are your unique and wonderful self, not what you mental illness makes you become. You aren't your eating disorder, you aren't the thoughts spiraling out of control in your mind, and you aren't the shadow that's controlling your mind and telling you that you're worthless and that no one loves you. There are tons of people out there that love you and that are waiting for you to ask for their help. People don't understand what is going through your mind—I know it sucks and you just want someone to understand—but there are people who want to learn and want to listen to you.

Talking about it can be one of the hardest things in the world to do, and trusting that someone won't leave you once you open up to them is even harder. But, as someone who suffers from mental illnesses, I can promise you that the risk is worth it when you find people who actually love you and want to help you. There is nothing wrong with help—you've been strong for way too long. I don't want you to give up and succumb to your mental illness. I understand what you are going through and the pain you are facing every day, but please don't you ever give up. You are stronger than anyone will ever know, and you've been holding on to the weight of the world for far too long.

You are loved, cherished, cared for, and never alone. I want you to always remember that. You are never alone. Your mental illness does not define you—you are still you, no matter what your brain makes you believe. People love you and, eventually, people aren't going to leave you because they don't understand how to help you. Don't listen to what society says about mental illnesses—they're actual illnesses and you need help. And the best part is that people want to help you, and they'll be there for you. It's easier to fight your illness when you aren't alone, so, when you're ready, your friends, your family, and I will be waiting. You're a beautiful, loved person so don't you ever, ever give up. We are here for you.