We have all heard the term "mental illness" more than just once in our lives. Whether you struggled with it or a loved one did, maybe even just hearing of others having one, we all know this term. The worst part about this term is the negative connotation that comes with it. I am positive you know what I am talking about. Stigmas often put those with metal illnesses in a stereotype that classifies them as bad people.

This makes it difficult for those in need of mental health care to receive it. Despite the fact that there are some funds set aside for mental health, it is under 10% of the funds set aside for health care. Even so, the price of mental health care is extremely expensive. For someone to receive proper health care, they must have insurance that covers it or they need to pay out of pocket, which adds up to over $100,00 a year.

Lack of funds is not the only problem, however, that prevent those from getting the help they need. The media does not help those with mental illnesses. When it comes to those being wrongfully accused because of their mental illness, or are said to have one, the media portrays those who actually suffer from this as monsters in society. This, again, is not true. It is unfair to those suffering from mental illness to be seen as monsters in society. The media is educating the public rather than institutions like universities and schools, who are supposed to teach people of this. In health classes, they are only to teach of depression and anxiety, when there are a ton of more mental illnesses that exist. Educators do not teach about these issues because of this stigma as well. Not enough people are standing up to the stigma and showing that having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.

There are, however, online organizations that are working to prevent suicide and the stigma of mental illness. There are two in particular, that I would tell you to check out.

The first one is Buddy Project. Buddy Project was founded by a friend of mine, Gabby Frost, who started the project back in 2013. The project pairs two people together in hopes that they can be there for each other when they need someone to talk to. For more information on the project, visit the website.

The second project is one that I was personally involved in. The I'm Not My project was founded by Amrit Abbasi. The project promotes stopping the stigma of mental illness and is currently starting back up to help those in need. For more information on this project, visit http://theimnotmyproject.org/