Words By Mae

It’s mental health awareness month.

If you’ve been keeping up with my journey, then you are aware that I struggle with bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety. I’d like to discuss some myths and facts about each of these illnesses.

Bipolar disorder:

1. Myth: bipolar disorder is just an excuse for someone to be moody. Fact: bipolar is a mood disorder marked by uncontrollable emotional highs and lows.
2. Myth: all people who have bipolar cannot be trusted because their moods change within seconds. Fact: bipolar is different on a case-by-case basis. While some may be more temperamental than others, every bipolar person should be supported.
3. Myth: everyone is a little bipolar. Fact: every person has changing moods, but those who have bipolar are unable to regulate theirs.

Depression:

1. Myth: depression is just being sad. Fact: depression is a real mental illness that is marked by extreme, long-lasting sadness.
2. Myth: people with depression should just choose to be happy. Fact: those who are depressed cannot simply snap out of it.
3. Myth: depressed people can’t be helped. Fact: depressed people need a support group just like anyone else. If you know someone who struggles, reach out to them today.

Anxiety:

1. Myth: anxiety is just being overwhelmed. Fact: anxiety is caused by negative, false thoughts that hinder people from going about their everyday lives.
2. Myth: anxiety is not a big deal, because everyone has it. Fact: while almost everyone struggles with mild forms of anxiety, not everyone battles anxiety disorders. The latter need extra self-care to help alleviate the pains of anxiety.
3. Myth: anxious people can only be helped by therapists. Fact: friends and family can make a huge, positive impact when they help those with anxiety.

It’s important to talk about mental health.

I hope when I share my journey of mental wellness, that I am able to break down some myths you may have believed all of this time. I hope that when I tell you about bipolar/depression/anxiety, you learn about how to love others who have similar struggles.

Thank you for reading. As always, feel free to reach out to talk more about what you read.