Mental illness+ Physical illness

= Inequality

If someone in our life revealed they were dealing with a terrible physical illness, we would provide sympathy, and understanding. It would change how we looked at that person in terms of the fragility of their life, but not in seeing who they are as a person.

If however, someone in our life revealed they were dealing with a terrible mental illness, could we say with genuine truthfulness that we would treat this person with the same sympathy, and understanding? Unfortunately, no is the likely answer. Instead we are quick to judge, presume, and disconnect from that person.

Shame is one of the biggest fuels for people to hide in the dark about what they may be going through. There is a fear of being ridiculed, called crazy, and not being taken seriously for the immense things that are happening in our mind, beyond our control. Understanding how to cope, and overcome illness is just as terrifying regardless of whether that illness is mental or physical. Yet, the predisposition to feel apologetic for the things we are experiencing remains. Victims to societies scrutiny.

On a personal level, I have experienced several forms of mental illness. It often felt like there was no where to turn, or no one who would truly listen without judgement. Due to the lack of a platform to discuss what was happening inside my body, things got worse me at a time when I needed people most. Instead I continued to binge and purge, lay in my room slowly fading, and self-harming- all because I was ashamed.

Society has taught us that we must be ashamed if we aren’t leading a healthy, stable, balanced, normal life. Arguably these are all nice sounding things on paper, but humans are dynamic and complex. Making mental illness less taboo will help us all, to clearly realize that a “normal” life is next to impossible.

Instead of devaluing someones experiences, and what they are going through, it is our job to make a change. To speak up for equal treatment for people suffering with mental health issues. The most important however, when the time is right, don’t speak at all- just listen to what someone has found the courage to share with you.