What I Think Everyone With a Mental Illness Needs to Know

Dear Mental Illness Warriors,

I just want to tell all of you out there who have mental illnesses that you are loved. You are amazing, and you are my heroes.

What you go through on a daily basis and have gone through with your illness is hard, and you’re getting through it like a rock star. I am so proud of you for dealing with all you’ve dealt with.

The stigma you face is unbelievable, but you are overcoming it. You’re talking it out and doing whatever you can to help yourself. That is definitely something to be proud of, and in case no one has told you that in awhile, I’m telling you now that I am so very proud of you.

People who don’t have or understand mental illnesses may think it’s your fault. They may think because you have this kind of illness, that you are “bad,” “immoral,” “crazy,” “attention-seeking”… the list goes on. But I’m here to tell you that your mental illness is not your fault, and you are definitely not bad, immoral, crazy or attention-seeking. You are a person who happens to have a mental illness, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. You did not ask for this. No one asks for any kind of illness.

I know having a mental illness affects your personality, behaviors, feelings and relationships, both with yourself and with others. That’s just the nature of the illness, and you can’t help it.

Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not worthy of help, treatment, love, or respect because of your illness. You are worthy of all of those things, but sometimes, you must fight to get them. Don’t give up. Keep fighting for what you deserve and don’t settle for anything less.

Don’t forget — you are not alone. You need not be ashamed and it’s not your fault.

I believe in you.

Sincerely,

Your fellow warrior, Megan