Life is precious. As cliché as that may sound, there is no phrase with more merit. For those with mental illnesses, this is a truth that is too close for comfort. The difference between one day and another can be the will to live. In 2016, society still creates a social stigma around mental health, and the battle churning within can oftentimes go unnoticed. Yet, this is a battle that must not be discounted. It is a fight that can manifest an illusion of a life not worth living, when every day seems like a lonely struggle.

Not only have I experienced mental illness, but many people close to me also enter into combat with mental health disorders every single day. It is exhausting to feel so alone with a disease that many people do not recognize or understand. Mental health education is severely lacking and the additions of it would be beneficial in enlightening people on how to recognize those facing mental illnesses and effectively take action. Such schooling would surely lead to a decrease in mental health episodes and prevent suicide attempts. Recognition is a significant reassurance to those suffering. First, it conveys a sense of understanding. Secondly, it provides a support network that is entirely lacking in today's society. Simply knowing that society ranks mental illness on par with other illnesses would greatly improve many victim's outlook.

Society will play a substantial role in bettering the lives of those confronting mental illness, but the greatest battle comes from within. Beginning in middle school, I began fighting an eating disorder and depression. I would go to doctors appointments and take the necessary steps to please them and my parents, but that was a means of appeasement. Whatever it took to accomplish the very minimum required, I would do. This worked out for the five years until I left home and was alone in the world. It was then that I realized I had never fully embraced the recommendations of my parents and doctors. I had not accepted my diagnosis and taken the appropriate steps to remedy myself.

The real key to success when addressing mental illness is full-fledged acceptance and investment into one's health. Sometimes, this requires one's full energy. For millennials, who are constantly moving and seeking advancement, this is a hard pill to swallow. Homework, club membership, extra work for one's boss, keeping up one's appearance - this is a lot to balance. Life is overwhelming at times, but nothing else matters if you cannot be fully there due to the demands of your mental illness. Caring for one's health is a facet of life where it okay to be selfish. Simply put, it is time to look out for number one.