The Mental Health Stigma of Today

A common factor in many true war stories that I have been exposed to recently, as well as in the past, mention what happens after war, specifically, PTSD, which is a serious mental health disorder. (In case you are unaware, PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and is very common among soldiers, as well as abuse survivors, rape victims, as well as others.) It is not exactly hard to imagine something as traumatizing as war could lead to such a disorder, in fact it could almost be expected, but in the case of many other mental health disorders, it isn't so easily accepted.

Take for example, one of the most common mental health disorders in America today; depression. Depression is especially common among teens and young adults, but it can affect any and everyone. It isn't something to be taken lightly, yet all over the internet and in person you hear people saying "it's all in your head" or, "you're just sad, get over it", etc. Now I am not one to encourage depressive behaviors, like not eating, sleeping, or moving. Or engaging in harmful behaviors like suicide and self harm. Depression isn't an impossible thing to conquer. It's not exactly easy to deal with, but it can be dealt with. Yet to hear people say just "get over it" really isn't helpful.

Depression is of course, the obvious example of this. But what about other lesser known disorders, like OCD? OCD is regularly used as a term for people who like to be neat and organized, or don't like germs. This is hugely offensive, and inaccurate. OCD is, in fact, a crippling disorder, that makes it very difficult for people who have it, to properly live their lives. It's very damaging, and frustrating. To hear someone casually throw out "oh man, I hate it when my pencils aren't in rainbow order, I'm SO OCD" It really undermines the struggles that people with this disorder have to go through

There are countless other disorders that are treated with little to no respect. Schizophrenia isn't just someone who's "crazy". Social Anxiety isn't not enjoying parties. OCD isn't neat freak, etc, etc. Mental health isn't a joke, it isn't something to pretend you have, it is a serious issue, and it can happen to ANYONE.