Mental illness, now more than ever, has been so prevalent in our society. Not because our families before us didn’t have these issues but because it has become more accepted in society. Conversations are started and people aren’t as afraid to talk about their issues with people around them. Which brings me to the issue of why it is important to love someone with a mental illness.

There are many different types of mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, etc. Every person’s case is different and no two people can be loved the same. It is so easy to bar out someone with problems. It is so easy to stop inviting them places because you don’t want them ruining your good time. Asking someone how they are all the time must be exhausting. Having to be there for someone all the time must be terrible to deal with.

There are other things, however, that are even worse to deal with. It is so hard to be in such a dark place and have your loved ones give up on you. It is so hard to want nothing more than to get out of bed only to have your social anxiety pull you right back in. Asking yourself if you really are as bad as you think. Having to second guess everything in your life because you are at such a low point that you don’t know how to get out.

You can’t always control how your mind works. You can’t always help how you feel. But having the support system of family and friends makes that whole thing less scary. It makes you feel better about being different.

Love your friends, family, peers, and everyone affected by mental illness because chances are, they need you now more than ever.