Imagine waking up in the morning, not physically able to get out of bed because you feel there is nothing to live for.

Imagine walking into a public place, feeling your throat tighten, your heart race, and your breath quicken just at the thought of talking to another person.

These are some of the lives of the people who deal with mental illness.

Mental illness needs to be talked about more.

There are so many people that have it, that you probably know.

It is so extremely common yet the least talked about.

We all face struggles every single day. To pretend that we are these perfect people, will get us absolutely nowhere.

But talking about mental illness, in all its forms, will not only lead to more acceptance and unity but more understanding.

People who haven’t seen those around them suffer from it or have not suffered it themselves, have preconceived ideas about mental illness.

Believing that it’s “all in their head” or “they are just making it up”.

All things that are completely untrue.

It may not be a disease that you can physically see, but I find it even worse in that aspect because it is a disease of the mind.

Yes, there are medications to aid in making the symptoms less severe. But the majority of the work goes to the people suffering from it.

They have to open themselves up to therapy, to change, to accept that they have a mental illness and putting forth steps to help them.

People who suffer from mental illness are one of the strongest people you will know.

They face their demons every single day and even though they may have their bad bouts, come out on top.

So instead of automatically assuming, be genuine and ask questions. Learn more about what that person goes through, do research.

Not only will you be able to support them but you can change other's lives.