This Hashtag Is Creating Some Brutally Honest Tweets About Mental Illness

There’s a conversation happening on Twitter right now, and it’s giving voice to the unique experiences of those who live with mental illness. People are using #WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness, to talk about their experiences — and frustrations — with living with a mental illness.

Here’s what they’re talking about.

On stigma:

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think that it’s not a flaw of character, it’s a flaw in chemistry. #IAmStigmafree

— ray (@rayynewell) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I wish there wasn’t such a stigma so more people would feel ok about getting help. It can get better. Really.

— just plain beth (@whoawhut) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think how easy – and how harmful – it can be to hide it. #IAmStigmafree #StrongerThanStigma

— Melissa Geschwind (@MGeschwind) December 17, 2015

On frustrations:

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness, I get frustrated by the lack of understanding. Advice for loved ones: You don't just "Quit it".

— ❄️Tonya, even IRL❄️ (@NotSpiral) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think about the unfair disparities in funding based on ignorance and stereotypes pic.twitter.com/P0pL6T66Eu

— JD Tweets (@jugglingjenn) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think of all the people who have died before they could get help. Cutting mental health funding helps no one.

— Nicole Campbell (@SouperNic) December 17, 2015

#whenithinkofmentalillness I wish the news wouldn't sensationalize tragedy and promote ignorance about the mentally ill

— Independent Patriot (@LibertysSpirit) December 17, 2015

On the hard truth of living with a mental illness:

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness , I think, "God, what if people knew about me?" And then I feel sad because I know I shouldn't feel ashamed.

— a life w/o storms (@alifeWOstorms) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think about not finding the will to shower for 2 weeks.

— K-Town (@KLDVComedy) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think of all the people silently fighting an unseen war.

— Giovanni Blair McK (@DaRealGiovanni) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think of people who aren’t believed until it’s too late. Countless suicides and deaths due to no help

— // Venny // (@DarthVenn) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think "what excuse can I use this time? Nope..used that one last week….."

— Lady Amagdalene (@she_nutt) December 17, 2015

On hope:

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness ..I think about how far I've come since I was diagnosed and how I don't let it stop me.?

— cinnamon. (@twelve2_) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think of my friends and family who deal with it every day and are so strong and incredible

— Steph RobotEye (@IAmRobotEye) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkofMentalIllness I realize just how far I’ve come and smile. #Anxiety #Depression #progress

— The Climb to the Top (@upward8613) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I remind myself that I have bipolar but it doesn't have me ???

— Bipolar Stoner (@top_hat_stevie) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think how much good I’ve been able to do since I came out of the shadows. #StrongerThanStigma #IAmStigmafree

— Melissa Geschwind (@MGeschwind) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I feel happy knowing I’ve kicked it’s ass.

— Manda Posthumously ???? (@ShutUpAmanda) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I remember that I’m not alone and how important it is to not be afraid to ask for help.

— Jessika (@rxchbabygxrl) December 17, 2015

Some encouraging messages to others: 

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I see brilliant, productive, compassionate ppl courageous enough to embrace life w/ their strengths & weaknesses

— Dr. J. Ryan Fuller (@jryanfuller) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think of people who should be celebrated, not shunned; cared for not ignored; met with respect not silence.

— Rachel Griffin (@rachelgriffin22) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I feel inspired by all those who stay strong. ???? ☀️

— Jeetendr Sehdev (@JeetendrSehdev) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I think of the bravery it takes to fight those daily battles. The strength that takes is truly inspirational!

— Embracing Bipolar (@Embrace_Bipolar) December 17, 2015

#WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness I remember that it’s not something you can see, so be kind to everyone cause you never know what they’re feeling.

— Nev Schulman (@NevSchulman) December 17, 2015

Want to join the conversation? Use #WhenIThinkOfMentalIllness