According to Mental Health America, over 42.5 million people will have an anxiety disorder in a year, over 15.3 million people have had a major depressive episode, and over 3.3 million people will have bipolar within a year. With that being said, President Obama has officially declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

So basically, we're all a little "crazy," but that's okay (and that's what mental health awareness is trying to do). Research has shown a strong link between mental disorders and suicide, as well as mental illness, and substance abuse. At the end of the day, science has also shown that suicide is 100 percent preventable. Most mental illnesses, if not all, overwhelm the brain with negative thoughts. Though medications are used and advertised for effective treatment (i.e., take a "happy pill" and you'll feel better), most antidepressants, in particular, have been found to be no more effective than the control group with the fake pill (i.e., placebo). Researcher Irving Kirsch analyzed data from four clinical trials of antidepressants and placebos and found a small difference in effectiveness of the "happy pill" and the sugar pill.

Though there may be results showing significance in antidepressant treatment and effectiveness, Kirsch rationalizes that there are also studies that show no significance. However, we are socialized to view medications as the “go-to” or “cure all.” If someone has a headache, he or she turns to aspirin or ibuprofen (instead of meditation or exercise). If someone has a thyroid issue, he or she gets placed on a thyroid medication (instead of changing his or hers diet/lifestyle). If someone is diagnosed with depression, he or she is placed on an antidepressant (instead of a placebo or therapy).

Just like there is science about medications, there is also research on natural mood-elevating activities. We know that working out and exercising releases natural feel-good endorphins that elevate our mood (as well as doing a good deed, talking to someone, etc.). For anyone battling with a mental disorder, always research your options and know that medications are not a "cure all."

At the end of the day, everyone is dealing with something and fighting their own battle. If you aren't, then you know someone who is. Most of the time people, whether it be someone battling depression or schizophrenia, just need to talk. The most fascinating aspect of people dealing with a mental disorder is how strong they are, they have their own story to tell.

If you or anyone you know is going through a rough time, whether it's relationship drama or school stress, just know that you will always have someone to vent to.