5 Mental Health Myths

Here are some of the myths and misconceptions about mental illness that grind my gears:

​1. We aren't allowed to work.
This is simply not true. Many of us are unable to work or unable to work full-time, but many of us can function in "normal" jobs.

2. We're pill junkies.
Addiction is a different story, but those of us who need medicine for our conditions are not addicted to it. We need them just like you need your blood pressure medicine or insulin.

3. It's a character flaw.
Bullshit. It is by far not a flaw. Fighting a mental illness takes personal strength. It is a disease of the brain that we can't help having.

4. People with mental illnesses will never recover fully.
For some people, that is true. However, most of us can recover to some degree or another and function.

​5. We are attention-seeking.
No. Just...no. If I could take this away I would. I don't want to have this, but I make the best of a bad situation and use my position to spread awareness and combat stigma.

​Stay strong, my friends!