The National Alliance on Mental Illness has posted that 43.8 million adults experience some form of mental illness in a given year. By the age of 14, half of all chronic mental illness has begun. By 24, three quarters has begun. This is insane.

While growing up, I really did not hear about mental illnesses affecting anyone I knew and it was not in the news as much as it is today. I had never really heard about anxiety disorders until, surprise, I was diagnosed with one.

42 million adults in America live with anxiety disorders. So many people I know are dealing with some form of anxiety which is why it is so easy for me to talk about. In high school, I literally thought I was the only person that had to take a medication for me to stop panicking and crying all the time. Not a fun time, let me just tell you.

The leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the global burden of disease… depression.

Tenth leading cause of death in the US… suicide.

Almost 60% of adults and 50% of 8-15-year-olds with a mental illness did not receive treatment the previous year. There is a negative stigma behind seeking help that, to be completely honest, pisses me off. Places and medications are real for a reason.

Personally, I think people are hiding from getting the help they need because they do not want to seem weak. Going to talk to someone about what you are struggling with does not make you weak. Nor does taking a medication.

Mental health is one of the most important things to take care of in your day to day life. If you are not mentally happy and healthy, then there is no way you are completely healthy or happy. As the statistics show, a plethora of people across the world suffers from the same issues. You are not alone, so you should never feel as if you are.

Talking to someone even about the smallest things that are bothering you day to day helps immensely. It could be a friend, parent, or even your dog.

My pup listened to every word I had to say (I think). It definitely takes some time to be comfortable talking to people about your issues. It does not just feel normal overnight. Do not think you are a burden to anyone either. That is taking a step back in the process.

I tend to hide things from my friends because I feel as if I burden them too much with what I feel is going wrong in my life. They never fail to remind me that friends are there for the ups and downs. Your support system is extremely important.

Did you know that there is a one in 400 trillion chance that you will be born? Being part of that statistic is amazing. Do not become a part of a less impressive statistic because you had doubts about seeking help.

You is kind, you is smart and you is important. Live to learn and learn to love!