5 (Not So) Secrets About Mental Health

A few months ago, I was formally diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2. I've always known something was up, and I've battled with depression my whole life, but there was some sort of weight lifted off of my shoulders when I got an actual diagnosis. It made my mental illness feel valid—a feeling that I should not be having . Your mental illness is always valid, and you don't need a doctor to tell you that. But due to the stigma that surrounds mental health in today's society, a lot of people have very close-minded views on illnesses that we can't actually see. Here are five things I've learned about mental health throughout my own struggles with it.

1. Your mental illness is not your fault.

This is 100 percent not your fault. Stop apologizing for it. With my bipolar disorder, I can't always control my moods when they decide to play games and go all over the place. Doesn't it sound silly for me to have to apologize for getting overwhelmed and starting to cry? It's human nature (mainly if you're Canadian) to want to apologize for the inconveniences that our actions bring into life, but some things can't be helped. You didn't ask for this illness, I know that it's hard, and you're trying your best. Try to always tell yourself that this is not your fault and people can't blame you for it. When you have this belief, if someone blames you for your mental illness, you'll disregard what they're saying as incorrect.

2. Other people don't have to understand your mental illness, they just have to be willing to listen.

This is probably the most important thing that I've learned about my mental health. After I went through some trauma, I felt like I needed to explain to everyone what it felt like, and I would get frustrated when people wouldn't understand how I felt. But some people just don't get it. A lot of people try to understand, but it is hard to understand mental health when you haven't had to struggle with any issues of your own. For someone who's never been depressed, depression is a hard concept to grasp, because this person may find it easy to make themselves happier. As long as you're surrounding yourself with people who are open minded and willing to lend an ear, you don't need to make them understand exactly what you've been through or how you're feeling. And when someone does understand, it will feel that much better.

3. There will always be judgmental people in the world.

No matter what you do or where you go, there are always going to be people who will judge you and put you down for your mental illness. This is just the way the world works, as there are always going to be bad people. Don't blame them - you don't know where they're coming from, what their background is, or what they've been through. If someone is judging you for your mental illness, try to remove that person and their negative energy from your life. If you can't (for example, if they're family), my suggestion would be to not bring up mental health around this person. It's easier for everyone, and there are always other people who are willing to listen.

4. Your mental illness is not something to be ashamed of.

Relating back to my first point, your mental illness is not your fault and absolutely not something to be ashamed of in any way. It's an unfortunate situation when someone is struggling with their mental health, but you are a survivor. You are still breathing, still fighting, and every day you're getting one step closer to achieving happiness in your life. Don't let people bring you down or make you believe that you should be hiding yourself away from the world. You're just as important and valid as anyone else, and you deserve to have all of the happiness in the world, too.

5. Mental Health Awareness could always use more supporters.

It's no secret that the world could always use improving, so try starting with something that's close to your heart. Research mental health programs in your area and volunteer, or simply spread the word. I like to believe that we're always one step closer to world peace and world understanding, so make your mark and be the voice that changes someone's mind! Share your stories with the world, and don't be afraid to reach out. Here is a list of crisis lines worldwide, and this website lists crisis lines and resources by province in Canada. If talking isn't your thing, unisuicide connects you to digital health services worldwide.