Even though my mental illness has put me through hell, I have a lot to thank it for.

Not all mental health diagnosis' have to be negative. I am here to remind everyone to take your mental illness as a positive, self-growing action. The more we take mental illness as a gain instead of a loss, the less it will affect our lives.

1. It has made me stronger than I ever thought I could be.

My mental illness has shown me that I am a warrior and I am capable of anything. I would have never thought that I was capable of so many things if I hadn't gone through my bouts of mental illness. If I can survive my deepest point of depression, I can conquer just about anything. Thank you, mental illness, for making me a warrior.

2. It helped me find my calling.

After years of debating what career path to follow, I have decided to study to become a psychiatrist. My mental illness has helped me understand the way the brain works. I have a better understanding of the way the chemicals in the brain work. I feel the need to take my knowledge and share it with the world. Thank you, mental illness, for helping me find my calling!

3. It has helped me find my purpose in life.

I’ve become my own best friend. I have found the light at the end of the tunnel which led me to find my value. I know I am part of this world for a reason and that I have done, and will continue to do great things. I no longer stew around wondering why I was born... My mental illness found that for me. Thank you, mental illness, for helping me find my purpose!

4. It has brought many amazing people into my life.

The time I spent in treatment brought so many incredible people into my life; some I call best friends now. It is really important to have such supporting friends... People who understand what you are going through and can help you along the way. Thank you, mental illness, for bringing great people into my life!

5. I now look at things in a different perspective.

I have learned to look at myself and my experiences through a more positive light. I now take the time to look at things through other people's eyes, not judging too quickly, as they may be fighting a battle that is not visible. Thank you, mental illness, for making me less judgmental!

6. I have found a new level of empathy.

I now have a better understanding of others. I am less likely to jump to conclusions. I am able to see the good in people, which is a tough task. I am more realistic about the fact that everybody is going through something that isn't always seen at first. Thank you, mental illness, for making me more empathetic!

7. I have learned how to be consistent.

I have had to re-train my mind and my body. I trained my mind to think of things differently, and I have trained my body to react to things differently. Both things being very difficult to do, I remained consistent and positive which resulted in such great things! Thank you, mental illness, for bringing me more consistency.

So, in conclusion, if you are struggling with a mental illness, please know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Even though it is hard to push through and look at things in a positive way, if you push a little bit each day, you will get such great results!