When you think of the month of May, you may think of the beginning of spring, the end of the school year, the dreaded finals weeks, or just another date on the calendar. However, for several years now, May has been nationally observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. And, according to studies done by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 20% of adolescents (ages 15-24) have a diagnosable mental health disorder, one in four adults will suffer from a mental illness, and as of 2014, suicide is the third leading cause in death of adolescents and young adults.

Though these staggeringly high numbers might lead one to conclude that this topic is widely discussed, the truth remains that talking about mental health is still stigmatized and misinformed in our society. Mental health is perceived as weird, freaky, and even contagious, and those dealing with mental health disorders are expected to remain quiet about them as if mental illness is something to be ashamed of. Because of these misconceptions, according to National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), each year the goal of the month of May is to “fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care."

Mental illness can be defined in many ways, but generally ranges from disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD and ADHD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Each of these disorders comes with their own set of personal challenges set on the individuals they affect, as well as their loved ones, friends, and even colleagues. These disorders can make a person unrecognizable. For example, individuals suffering from depression typically withdraw from their families and friends and isolate themselves from activities they used to enjoy; they become disinterested and apathetic. Often, this apathy leads to disinterest in getting the help that could drastically change and improve their lives. For reasons like these, it is crucial that we begin to break the stigmas surrounding mental health and be able to openly communicate about these issues.

I say these things with confidence now because I've been through it firsthand. I was diagnosed and suffered from chronic depression and anxiety over the course of four years. I didn't tell anyone and was forced to “deal" with many of my issues on my own, believing that the people I told would look at me differently. For a long time, it was a challenge for me to make it through each day; it was like the life was literally sucked out of me. I've watched people close to me suffer the same things I did, always afraid to tell someone for fear of being told they were “faking it," or to “get over it"; instead opting to keep everything they were feeling – or not feeling – inside, facilitating their own personal implosions.

But I'm not ashamed or embarrassed by my experiences anymore. I've learned that by talking about them and sharing them with others, I'm able to not only personally heal and grow, but can also help spread awareness and educate others. Although the symptoms and signs of mental illness may sometimes be difficult to spot, the effects of disorders like these can be both physically and emotionally detrimental and debilitating. Some individuals abuse drugs and alcohol to deal with or hide their pain. Some hurt loved ones or hurt themselves. Some people have to fight the fight just to be able to get out of bed each morning.

We must begin a fresh conversation about these issues if we have any hope for positive change and growth in our society. If awareness does not increase, youths will continue to go undiagnosed for their mental illnesses. We will see more and more young people forced to struggle with their demons alone, and more and more ending their own lives. Observing and promoting May as Mental Health Awareness month will hopefully start to shed more light on these issues and bring to attention the prevalence and urgency surrounding them.

We all must take this opportunity to educate ourselves and others about mental health and the signs of these disorders. We cannot support the jokes and stigmas that surround these issues. We all must open our hearts to those who are suffering, and be able to support and talk about these issues for the sake of these individuals who need it the most. Above all, if you or a loved one suffer from any kind of mental health disorder, let this month stand as a reminder that you are not alone. You will always have someone by your side no matter what.