The opinions in this article belong to the author and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Here at Her Campus at UC Davis, we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month by dedicating two weeks to talking about anything and everything surrounding mental health. While excited for this topic, I found myself equally fearful. I’d like to think that I’ve come a long way since the darker days and that I’m fully able to give out helpful advice as to how to overcome your inner demons, but upon further introspection, I realize this just isn’t the case.
How can I help others when there are times I cannot even help myself? How can I say “it gets better” when there are times I feel like it will never get better? How can I stress loving oneself when I often see myself as unlovable?
We live in such a wonderful time – mental health is slowly (but surely!) becoming more and more destigmatized, and the breadth of resources available is expanding. There are so many methods people use to battle this disease: medication, therapy, exercise, literally anything. As a society, we have moved toward looking at mental illness in a positive light in order for those struggling to feel less judged or criticized. But it’s made me wonder whether or not we’re doing more harm than good.
In painting mental health in such a favorable light, it debases the negative experiences those in the midst of their struggles undergo. However, I’m definitely not saying that we should begin to re-stigmatize or denounce mental illness. But the romanticization and glamorizing of this ailment needs to stop, because it’s hurting those who need it most.
Post-diagnosis, I found myself frantically searching the depths of the internet for a “cure”, something to fix me. The amount of articles and pages I came across praising others afflicted was overwhelming to me. I would think, If they can still be happy while severely ill, why is it that I can’t, no matter how hard I try? I would look at all of these success stories, but instead of feeling inspired or encouraged, I’d feel as deterred as ever. There had to be something wrong with me since it seemed like getting over mental illness was so easy, and everyone around me (i.e. random people on the internet) had no problem doing it — and coming out stronger, nonetheless.
I felt alone. I knew I wasn’t alone, and that millions of other people were going through the same thing, but I felt as if I was the only one who was incapable of healing.
The road to recovery is a long, arduous journey. So here are some words of advice I wish I would have read a few years ago, ones that would have reassured me that my lack of progress did not make me hopeless:
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It’s going to suck. It’s going to be the hardest thing you have ever experienced in your life.
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While some medications or types of therapy may work for others, it is very possible they will not work for you. It’s unfortunate. You’ll have to go through a trial-and-error process over a period of time in order to find out which work best for you. Medication-wise, the withdrawals and mood swings will suck.
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Once you do find what works for you, you won’t be “cured”. I don’t think we (or at least me, personally) can ever truly be cured from this. You’ll still have your bad days, but that doesn’t mean you’re relapsing or a failure. So be prepared to work your ass off every single day.
I don’t have all the answers, and I know I never will. What I do know is that mental illness is a bitch. In being more honest about the harsh realities of these illnesses, I hope anyone afflicted feels better prepared for their trek. Support is wonderful and absolutely necessary, but we cannot merely focus on the positives – we must acknowledge the negatives, no matter how bleak they may seem.
None of the images used belong to the author or Her Campus UC Davis.
Thumbnail source: Antonio Guillem