When Mental Illness Makes You Feel Like You Won't Find Love

“We accept the love we think we deserve.” — Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

Hi, you. Yes you, the one reading this.

I believe you ended up here for a reason, and I would like to thank you for being here with me.

Whether you fight mental illness, love someone who fights mental illness or are just curious about mental illness, this message still applies to you: you are not alone, ever.

It’s hard to think rationally when you are in the midst of a panic attack, but wrap your brain around this. There are other people in the world going through the same thing as you — other people who have panic attacks, panic disorders, are on medication and wake up every day fighting the good fight. Each and every one of them deserves love.

Feelings of “forever alone” are inevitable in life, but especially when you have mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. It’s easy to romanticize relationships, and think you deserve less because of your mental illness. We’ve all been there, we’ve all had those thoughts, but sister and brothers, we cannot let those thoughts win. You are worthy of someone who accepts you and wants to fight your illness with you. You are loved and cherished, if not by anyone in your family then by me, by The Mighty community. We are here for you, and you will never be alone again.

We want to hear your story. Become a Mighty contributor here.

Thinkstock photo via MistakeAnn