Struggling with a mental illness isn’t something you can just get over. It’s not something where you see others doing well in life and you just say, “hey, I can do that too!” It’s already a constant comparison between us and “them” for those with MI, and the fact that some people don’t understand that can be quite frustrating! Don’t pretend to know what someone is going through because you may be able to do more; it may be a struggle for them to even get out of bed, let alone shower or take care of themselves. It’s like you’re suffocating and someone says, “Stop being silly, just breathe.”

Trying to end the Stigma behind Mental Illness is one of my life’s passions, and it’s because everyday I and millions of others are judged for doing things differently. It may not be enough to some, and may be too much for others. But that doesn’t give anyone the right to tell someone, “Well if I can do it, you can too.” That’s humiliation. That’s comparing apples to oranges. Even if you have a diagnosed MI does not mean that another person with MI will cope in the same ways that you do.

Mental Health Awareness is so important in this world of “quick fixes” and “fitness fads.” If you feel the need to take a break, from ANYTHING that may be bringing you down into your depression, or anxiety, or whatever it may be… then you fucking DO IT!!! Don’t let anyone else try to convince you of what you need, or “should” be doing. False positivity is demonizing to everyone, not only those with MI. If you feel something, you fucking FEEL it, & then you process it. That’s how you transform from one phase to the next. You don’t jump from Level 1 to Level 10… you take whatever time and steps you need to be present for each and every phase/level of your life.

So when someone/something doesn’t make you feel good, understand what may be causing you to feel this way, and actually DO something about it. Don’t let anyone try to tell you what you are doing is not the right way, because they aren’t living your life… you are — and it’s only your choice on how you choose to LIVE!