Our generation has a strange, unexplainable attitude that sadness is beautiful. Media glamorizes mental illness, portraying it as a disturbing-yet-romantic relationship with oneself.

When scrolling through social media, I come across multiple posts raising awareness of the negative effect produced by romanticizing mental illnesses, and uncover posts arguing the “beauty of sadness” and how dark and mysterious it is. Youth are spending on average seven hours a day on different forms of media.Those that are diagnosed and undiagnosed gravitate towards these media communities. The concern is that this is then limiting them from seeking professional help in the outside world.

In 2014, a public attitude survey on mental illness in Tarrant County Texas revealed:

-more than 50 percent believed depression is caused by how you are raised

-one in three people believed children should be placed in a different learning environment immediately after noticing signs of mental illness

-60 percent of people said an effective treatment for depression is to "pull yourself together"

These are stigmas that society has developed that are negatively influencing those affected.

I’m not sure when or why mental illness such as depression became an image people are trying to mimic. Why would anyone want to feel an overwhelming amount of self-hatred for themselves or sadness in their life consciously? Studies have shown that people within the Western European nations have stigmatized attitudes toward mental illness, although it is important to keep in mind that stigmas have the tendency to be unintentional.

It almost feels as though mental illness has become a joke. “The weather is so bipolar today.” “You are so OCD.” “OMG I’m so depressed.” Why has mental illness become a common way to describe everyday emotions? This attitude mocks painful disabilities, perpetuates stereotypes, and undermines the seriousness of these struggles. Here’s the reality: These aren’t descriptors. These aren’t jokes. These are illnesses, and they are experienced by millions of people around the world. By undermining the seriousness of these struggles, those afflicted feel a greater sense of shame and are made to believe their illness is invalid.

We need to get our facts straight and learn some new words. A person may not be clinically depressed or suicidal, but simply feel devastated, crushed, suffering, or overwhelmed.

We live in a world where many illnesses society once considered shameful are now openly discussed and accepted. Unfortunately, mental illness still carries a certain stigma, one that prevents many sufferers from seeking help. People suffering from mental illness need an environment that is safe. It is up to each and every one of us to stop the stigma.

Maybe those who are scared of the word depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness labels are part of the problem. Isn’t it strange how people often talk most about the things they don’t understand? The most impactful and important change we can make is to educate ourselves. What are mental illnesses? Who do they affect? What are the treatments? With treatment and time, many people suffering from mental illnesses improve, but even as the injuries are healing, the stigma continues to conflict pain.

According to statistics that were determined by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration in 2014, 42.5 million Americans suffered from a mental illness, yet only 38.1 percent received treatment. Stigmas associated with mental illnesses may prevent those in need from reaching out for help.You shouldn’t be ashamed if you have one, or fear those that do. If we remain silent about things that matter, we become part of the problem. Let’s band together to positively create change by raising awareness and educating others.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from a mental illness and needs help and support, text the Crisis Hotline.

TEXT “GO” TO 741-741...

...or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

We are all capable of greatness. We are here for a reason, go find it. Here’s hoping 2016 is the year we dismantle stigmas associated with mental illness, because it’s about time.