A Letter To Those Struggling With A Mental Illness | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

A Letter To Those Struggling With A Mental Illness

You are not alone.

Mariah Datema
Mar 26, 2019
Missouri State University
184
A Letter To Those Struggling With A Mental Illness
Unsplash

From a very young age, I have struggled with depression and anxiety. Almost every single day, I am constantly wondering what other people are thinking about me, or whether I'm worthy enough to even be loved by the people closest to me.

There's this feeling I have like I'm drowning and the water just keeps pushing higher and higher above my head. I can't find the courage to breathe, and I keep finding myself sinking to the bottom. I don't know if I'll ever get out of this state of mind.

I'm not the only one that feels this way.

Anxiety is the most common disorder in the United States. It affects 40 million adults every single year. It is not fun. It is not easy. It's real, and it's about time we end the stigma and talk about this common condition affecting 18% of the population.

If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, please hear me out. I know how you are feeling. I've been there. And so have countless people around you. I know how alone you may feel at times, and how different you feel you are from your friends.

I know that you are overthinking everything in your life right now. I know that you are trying to figure yourself out but have seemed to lose sight of who you truly are.

I know that you're craving attention (which is NOT a bad thing, so don't let people tell you that it is) because you want people to notice you. You want people to notice that you are struggling and recognize that you need help. And that's okay.

Because the truth is: You deserve to be noticed. You deserve to be seen. You deserve to live a life without this constant pressure to be perfect. You deserve a place on this earth.

People who don't struggle with anxiety and depression may not understand why you feel the way you do. But I promise you, there are people who know where you are coming from and want to help.

If you are in an ongoing battle with these illnesses, understand that it's okay to speak up and get help. Seeking assistance doesn't make you weak. It makes you courageous, strong, and unstoppable. You are stronger than you think. Keep fighting and know that no matter what your feelings are, they are valid. You are valid.

And if you haven't heard it yet today, you are incredibly loved.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

UCLA
4202
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
writing papers
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

Perryville, MD
2602
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
sisters
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

Muskingum University
3839
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
adulting
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

Regis University
2145
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
starbucks
Student Life

6 Ways to Float Through Life

College Edition.

SUNY Binghamton
3496
people in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less
college tips

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments