By Amanda Parsons

In a society filled with judgmental citizens, an abundance of stigmas, and fear of being put down by others, it is nearly impossible for those who struggle with their mental health to feel comfortable sharing their feelings with fellow classmates, coworkers, or even family members. Regardless of the disorder, there is an age old stigma revolving around mental health and those who seek medication for treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there were more than 43.6 million adults, aged eighteen or older, with a mental illness in 2014. Unfortunately, whether one likes to admit it or not, we are constantly surrounded by labels and stereotypes. We are familiar with the ones labeled as “preppy” or “athletic”, and in regards to mental illnesses, we know those labeled as “depressed” or “bipolar”. Along with these labels that supposedly “define” who we are, comes a stereotype. Those who suffer from mental illnesses are thought to be “weak” and looked upon as “outsiders”.  

How someone is affected by depression or another mental illness is specific to that person, and further proves the inaccuracy of stereotypes. Just as people deal with pain and emotions differently, people also deal with mental illnesses differently. It is unfair and somewhat immature to generalize a group of people who have one thing in common, and to assume everyone with that one thing in common is the same.

The severity of a mental illness, regardless of which one, varies with each case. Mild cases of mental illnesses may be treated by talking to a therapist or seeking guidance from a loved one. More severe cases of mental illnesses may require medication or hospital treatment. Once again, just as we don’t judge someone for taking Advil to relieve physical pain, we should not judge someone for taking medication to help stabilize their mental well-being.

I find it appalling that in a world as advanced as ours, with self-driving cars and computers that can track locations worldwide, we still allow labels and stereotypes regarding mental health to be part of our society. Although we have made a fair amount of progress in beginning to accept those who struggle with their mental health, there is still much more room for improvement.