When people talk about mental health awareness, the focus is often on getting everyone mentally healthy, as if the majority of people are struggling. But let’s face it—the majority already are mentally healthy. My principle for mental health awareness isn’t to reach everyone; it’s to make people aware of those who have a harder time doing it—those with chronic conditions that don’t have a quick fix.
There are no cures for many mental illnesses, and suggesting that going to the gym or dieting will somehow cure schizophrenia is misguided. We are a portion of the population that lives with conditions society still doesn’t fully understand, and instead of getting the empathy or care we deserve, we’re stigmatized, discriminated against, and cast aside.
This isn’t just casual discrimination; it’s open, acceptable, and systemic. People with chronic mental illness are often seen as a problem to be dealt with, not a group to be listened to or supported. Our civil liberties are being taken away. And what’s worse is that many people think this is okay.
We need representation. We need civil rights protections. We need a society that hears us and acknowledges the challenges we face without dismissing us as unfixable or beyond help. We aren’t asking for pity or to be seen as victims—we’re asking to be treated as equals. Our voices need to be heard, and it’s time for real mental health awareness to focus on those who are too often ignored.
by Dan and Bonkers
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS NOW!!!
