To the People Struggling With Mental Illness Today

To people who are having a rough time with mental illness right now…

You will get through this. It may take time, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

You’re so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Just because things are bad right now doesn’t mean they will stay that way forever. Having any mental illness doesn’t make you bad or weak person in any way. Know that you’re valued, cared about and loved.

Your mental illness does not define who you are. Having a mental illness is just a part of you. Whatever it is, it is nothing to be ashamed of, for whatever reason. I am so sorry that we, as a society, made you feel ashamed to talk about your mental illness openly. Don’t hide it because you shouldn’t have to. It’s a part of you.

Just because society doesn’t understand your mental illness doesn’t mean we can’t have a conversation about it. We need to listen and change minds about it as a whole. We need to build a world that is OK with accepting your mental illness. More importantly, we need to understand mental illness as whole. By doing that, you hopefully will not be ashamed of your mental health issue, whatever it is. As stated before, no one should ever feel ashamed about getting the help they need.

If you have not been feeling proud of yourself lately, I want to let you know I am so proud of you for doing the best you can. Keep doing what you’re doing. Remember: You are good and strong enough to handle whatever is thrown at you, despite what others may say to get you to doubt yourself or think negatively about yourself. You are, and always will be, enough. Maybe you don’t feel it right now, but to your friends and family, you are enough. If you don’t have any support system, know you’re enough for me. What you do, who you are and the fact that you’re trying to go through this dark time: You are enough. Once you realize that, your outlook on life will improve and you will see your mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of at all.

Sincerely,

Someone who cares.