Mental Illness Isn't CUTE | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Mental Illness Isn't CUTE

Our words have a great affect on others, let's make sure it's a good one

128
Mental Illness Isn't CUTE
Mental Health 4 Muslims

I think we’re becoming a much more progressive and socially conscious society and that is amazing. We’re not tolerating negative behavior and constantly pushing ourselves to be better. That being said I think that sometimes we forget how powerful our words can be. And in this case the use of certain terms out of context creates a powerful stigma against mental illness. There is a difference between slang and misuse of words. And in media, pop culture, etc. it becomes the norm to use words that we don’t understand to describe something.

I’m tired of listening to people describe someone as bipolar because their mood changed or hear that someone is psychotic because they go about behaving differently. The only people who can use these “clinical” terms to describe someone are professionals who are certified to give their opinions. No, your roommate isn’t OCD because she likes to keep the bathroom clean; she is just neat. By using these terms as adjectives it devalues people who actually suffer and struggle with these diseases every day. Because mental illnesses are DISEASES that affect the most important part of the human body; the brain which makes everything else work. And so many people refuse to acknowledge that when someone acts strange it’s because they’re sick and not because they’re weird.

One of my favorite quotes is from a TV show where the character’s mother has schizophrenia and he’s absolutely terrified of it being genetically passed down to him. He says: “I know what it’s like being afraid of your own mind.” This is something not many people can relate to. Imagine being scared of yourself and what you could become. And when we use those terms as a punch line we completely ignore what someone is internally going through and can’t control. What you might think is no big deal someone else might be struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Although Hollywood makes it seem glamorous, mental illness isn’t a game or something that is easy. You should always take this seriously especially if you feel that you struggle with some type of mental illness. So I want to encourage you to be more aware of your actions and words when regarding the topic of mental illness. People who struggle with it already feel extremely alienated and isolated and hearing people joke about it makes them feel even more alone. Use other words to describe something you find odd and try to be more open-minded about people who seem to act differently than you.

Our minds are a complex place of thoughts, memories, and ideas. We shouldn’t discourage others to be even more afraid of what’s going on inside them. The great Severus Snape once said: “The mind is not a book to be opened at will and examined at leisure.” We don’t even understand what’s going on in our own heads sometimes. And for some that means that they’re fighting against themselves. Our words and actions always affect others. Let’s try to make it a positive impact.

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

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

1231
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

27144
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11424
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments