Mental illness.

It's Real and it's Important

Growing up, you've learned to go to the doctor when your throat is sore, or your big toe is broken. You learn to take care of yourself physically, but have you ever truly been taught to take care of yourself mentally? Chances are you haven't, and you're one of the kids who overlooked the girl with depression in middle school and just thought she was "crazy". Newsflash! She wasn't crazy- sometimes, people are genetically or naturally diagnosed with depression, anxiety, etc. It's not always caused by a traumatic event. The children of the future generations need to start learning what to do if they suddenly feel super sad for no reason or why their heart races to an unhealthy amount over small things. Or who they can talk to when their parents get divorced and they just can't bare it. Children need to be educated about the "not so typical" things they learn in health class.

I'm Not Ashamed Of It

Yeah, I said it. I am not ashamed to own up to my mental health issues, and take care of myself! When I went through hard times, I accepted myself and went to a therapist to help me get through them. Now, I have no problem talking a counselor at school if I'm so anxious I might explode. I have no problem accepting the fact that sometimes I get sad for no reason, and might skip a party to lay in bed, watch Netflix and eat my favorite ice-cream. I'm proud to love myself enough to take care of myself and I proudly am the first one who stands up and fights back to those who make fun of suicide, self harm, depression, etc.

Therefore...

I Will Defend Those Who Won't/Can't Speak For Themselves

Storytime! When I was a freshman in high school, a girl in my class was sent away for a few weeks because she tried to commit suicide. Being so young, none of us had ever seen anything like this before so we all of course, were shocked, and confused. Of course, there was those typical assholes who loved to talk about it. "Did you hear about that crazy bitch?" "She's just doing it for attention." "Only nut jobs try to take their own life." "I saw she also had cuts on her arms so obviously she's weird." "She should stay in the crazy shack forever." Yeah, these were the kids I went to school with. But, you better believe I was the first one standing up for her, and defending her! I personally knew depression ran in her family, but even if I didn't, it was not my place to talk down about someone who had mental health issues. So hey- to the kids who thought it was funny or cool to make fun of the illness she couldn't control- imagine that was your sister, your father, or even YOU because it very easily can be one day.

I Will Always Put It Before School

Yes, I agree that school is important. No, I will not let my stress level over school take me to the point of unhappiness. At the end of the day, I am more important than a degree. That's why I take care of myself, before any lousy assignment. If it's 1 a.m. and I feel like the world is shattering down around me, I'm going to close my laptop, go to bed, cry it out a little, and do something to cheer me up like watch my favorite movie or call my best friend. I might go to class the next day and get a 60% for only writing 5 out of the 10 pages due, but I took care of myself and that's way more important. (And I promise you, doing bad on an assignment every now and then will not stop you from becoming successful in your future. It will not make or break you).

You only get one you. So take care of yourself. I mean really take care of yourself- your brain, and your body. Love yourself inside and out and you will radiate happiness like no tomorrow.