Recently, I have started to notice that mental health as a whole has become somewhat of a fashion statement. Hear me out, don't yell at me until I have explained why I feel this way. I am a Psychology major, mental health is extremely important to me. Also, I'm a college student so Facebook is also very important to me. I am just not a huge fan of both of them being combined. I understand the struggle of depression and anxiety, but I will never understand the need to post it all over social media. I will never judge somebody for their disorder, but I do draw a line at over exaggerating it or making it seem almost television show like at the cost of others.

One of my favorite shows is Empire: it comes on FOX on Wednesday nights if you would like to give it a watch. The show captures so many hard topics like violence, gangs, the music industry, and family struggles. One thing they do not capture accurately is mental health. One of the son’s, Andre, has bipolar disorder. I know first-hand that if treated it is nothing like what Andre is going through. The show makes it out to be this deadly disorder that nobody can live a normal life with and that just is not the case. I agree that sometimes it is absolutely horrible and those who suffer from it may feel like they will never defeat it but I’m here to say that you can and with the proper medical treatment will live a normal life.

Let’s trace back to social media, I’m not saying that people should never post about their struggles. All I’m trying to say is that social media was not intended for that. People need to seek help in other areas, such as a doctor, psychologist, friend, family member, or any other form of counsel that will result in bettering their lives through medication or treatment.

Now here is the reason why I’m begging you to stop over exaggerating mental health issues. Other people, students, adults, children, spouses, who struggle with a mental health issue can often be turned away by their family or friends because they are perceived as over exaggerating. People who need help cannot receive it because mental health is a trend. I have heard stories of people trying to tell their families about their struggles and the response they receive is Oh it’s just a phase, you’ll be sad for a little while and then you’ll be fine. So for those of you who claim they have depression or anxiety or anything else on the spectrum, please think twice about posting and making these disorders a joke or an act.

For those of you who are reading this and need help, I am going to attach some numbers below to help better educate you and help you reach a happiness in your life. Please do not be afraid to reach out to a friend or family member for help.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (2433) – Can use in US, U.K., Canada and Singapore

Crisis Help Line – For Any Kind of Crisis: 1-800-233-4357

National Youth Crisis Support: 1-800-448-4663

Self-Injury Support: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288) (www.selfinjury.com)

Eating Disorders Center: 1-888-236-1188

Help Finding a Therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST

Panic Disorder Information and Support: 1-800-64-PANIC