Mental Health/Illness

Today at school I attended an online seminar (well, it was a DL presentation) about mental health and illness. We were talked to by two doctors about what mental health and illnesses are and potential causes and treatments. Viewing statistics played a big part of the presentation, also. Last year, 22.5% of people were diagnosed with at least one mental illness.

Depression and anxiety were the two main mental illnesses discussed. It disgusted me to hear some of my classmates say; "people who are depressed just hate life and choose to see the worst in everything." "Everyone worries. People with anxiety are just dramatic and need to learn let things go." "Just breathe."

I don't believe dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness isa choice and shouldn't be treated like people choose to have depressive episodes or panic attacks.

Having struggled with both, anxiety and depression, it hurts to know that people think that I'm "dramatic" and "hate life". People are not aware of mental illnesses and I believe that is the problem. If people were more aware, it wouldn't be considered taboo to talk about and maybe more people would reach out for help.

People don't believe that mental illnesses are serious illnesses, but they are. If someone had a broken leg you wouldn't tell them "just breathe and stop being dramatic. you're fine." Instead, you would suggest them to see a doctor ASAP. So why should a mental illness be any different?

I think people needed to be educated on the topic and I'm really glad my peers and I were able to watch this presentation. I believe by educating others, on the topic, we will be able to create a more comfortable environment for people to discuss mental health.

I'm honestly not completely sure where I am going with this, but I just felt like sharing. All thoughts, regarding what I have written, are appreciated.

(I'm not sure if this is a correct place to post this or if this is an appropriate thread to post. Please feel free to delete, if necessary!)