1. You aren't "crazy"

Looking at other words for "mental illness," it is astonishing to see some of the degrading and delusional synonyms. You are not "insane," "crazy," "delusional," "deranged," "disturbed." These words, or scars, left on the subject of mental health are what prevent people from getting help in fear of being labeled.

2. You deserve love

The phrase "to love others you must first love yourself" is, in essence, complete bullshit — it is already so hard to love ourselves, and we are expected to wait and vigorously work on ourselves before we can choose to love someone else. You can work on loving yourself while loving someone else. You deserve to be loved now, not in how many weeks, months, or years it takes to love yourself.

3. It isn't your fault

Although you can take steps to battle and prevent mental illness like destructing mental habits and practicing a healthy lifestyle, many factors like genetics and trauma play a huge role in mental illness. Don't put so much blame on yourself, and do the best you can.

4. Mental illness isn't a sign of weakness

Mental strength and mental health are two separate entities. Just as someone with a physical illness can be physically strong, someone with a mental illness can also be mentally strong — and most people who do suffer from mental illnesses are exceptionally strong.

5. You don't have to be ashamed

One thing that took me forever to overcome was accepting my mental illness — it's what keeps individuals from getting help for so long. It shouldn't be embarrassing or demeaning to come forward with mental health issues.

You don't have to be angry at it or continually try to rid of it either — practicing acceptance and acknowledging that it is a part of you maintains a healthy confidence level and prevents your mental illness from taking over.

6. It isn't black or white

Mental health is a continuum. An individual can fall anywhere on the spectrum. No one is just "mentally ill" or "mentally healthy." Compare it to someone with minor physical issues — someone who is mentally 'healthy' can experience trivial issues as well. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that less than a quarter of adults are in optimal mental health.

7. Mental health problems aren't forever

Although some mental health problems aren't curable, most are treatable. NAMI reports that between 70 and 90 percent of individuals experience relief with a combination of therapy and medication. Recovery is possible and the lows are not forever.