Stop Using Mental Illness As An Excuse To Justify Actions
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Using Mental Illness As An Excuse To Justify Your Negative Actions Is Not OK

Please hear me out before jumping down my throat.

306
Using Mental Illness As An Excuse To Justify Your Negative Actions Is Not OK

For those who don't know, rapper Kanye West has been in and out of social media for a bit, especially on Twitter. And when Kanye starts tweeting, it's not just ONE simple tweet. I'm sure we all know this by now.

But recently, Kanye West logged on to Twitter and went on a full rant about fellow rapper Drake, particularly on how Drake threatened him and his family. West tweeted, "If anything happens to me or anyone from my family, you are the first suspect," which got Twitter talking.

West also made tweets about Drake's son and even attacked "Thank U, Next" singer, Ariana Grande. And it doesn't stop there. Kanye posted a series of Twitter rants about how he paved the way for other artists, how he is an idol, how the world needs to stop picking on his family, etc.

But what really set everyone off was that West kept mentioning his "mental illness" as an excuse for his tweets, saying, "You pick on people with mental health issues."

Yes, this is the same Kanye West who stated that "slavery was a choice" and who is openly supportive of President Donald Trump. I definitely see that he has a problem, but what bothers me the most?

Kanye West talking about his mental illness sends the WRONG message about other people who are suffering from mental illnesses.

As you all know, there are a lot of stigmas behind mental illness. People want to use the "crazy" card and the "psycho" card, or just say things that may be insensitive to people who are suffering from a mental illness.

Also, I've noticed that people will use the mental illness card A LOT when it comes to mass shootings, which have sadly been a regular thing in the U.S., I hate to admit. You know, when there's a mass shooting in the news and the suspect gets shown on TV and the media lists his/her entire background. The number one thing that always shows up is "he/she is suffering from a mental illness and that's what prompted them to murder 50 people."

No, you are totally wrong.

What people don't get is that not everyone who has a mental illness is violent. You can meet people who seem regular in person, and even when they have an episode, they're not looking for a gun to kill that many people.

I know so many people who are living with mental illnesses and not once do they blame it on their condition. I've been around people with bipolar disorder. I've had a hard time getting out of relationships because my exes would blame it on their mental illnesses, prompting me to stay and "deal" with them. Once I got out, I realized that I can't just stay with someone and tolerate their b******t because they have a mental illness.

What people don't get is that society and entertainment paint this image of people with mental illnesses as violent, unstable and crazy people.

This is definitely not true.

So to get back to Kanye West, him blaming his actions on his mental illness is definitely unfair. I do believe Kanye has a mental illness and I'm hoping he gets the help he needs, but I don't think it's fair to use that as an excuse. Same goes for mass shooting suspects. Even people around me do this sometimes.

So please stop using mental disorders as an excuse. No one is doubting you from suffering from one, but don't use that as an advantage over other people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

75991
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

47329
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

977769
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments