What most people don't understand about mental illness is that it is indeed a medical sickness.

Many people think mental illness is as simple as feeling sad, being emotional. Some even see sufferers of mental illness as just plain crazy. When society grossly oversimplifies mental health this way, it cultivates a culture that belittles the legitimacy of mental health while inherently misinterpreting the causes and influences behind mental illness. When mental health is stigmatized, it prevents those with mental health issues from getting the support they need from their friends and family -- or worse, prevents them from obtaining the treatment they need.

In many misinformed minds, mental health isn't a "real disease" because you cannot see its effects physically or on a biological level. However, more and more studies have supported the notion that mental illnesses are caused by hormonal or biochemical imbalances.

For example, a common cause of depression and anxiety is an imbalance in the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects mood, learning and sleep cycles indirectly. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs target these imbalances and have shown significant improvement in the mental health state of those with depression and anxiety, respectively.

If society is not belittling the issues of mental health, then they most often oversimplify it to two disorders: anxiety and depression. Though these may be the most common in American society, they are are certainly not the only ones. From addiction to eating disorders, mental health disorders affect all aspects of American culture. Overall, 18.5 percent of Americans have some form of mental health disorder, according to a study in 2013 from the National Institute of Mental Health. Mental illness includes disorders like depression, all types of anxiety, eating disorders, OCD and mentally impaired individuals.

Mental health issues can be deep rooted and there are a lot of awful things that will take time to unlearn. These health issues are not something you can wish away with a hallmark "Get Well Soon" card and expect them to be cured -- just as cancer can't be cured alone with strong will and positive thinking. For depression, anxiety and eating disorders, you feel as if you're buried in a hole 30-feet down but though you may have the shovels to dig yourself out, you are too exhausted or indifferent to even try. The most inappropriate thing to do for someone with mental health issues is to tell them that it will get better and to get over it.

Just like any disease, we need clinical treatment in addition to the support of our friends and family.