Suffering from depression and anxiety since the age of 14, I was always too afraid to speak about my illnesses. But why? It wasn't until last year, as a young 19-year-old in her sophomore year of college, that I started becoming more open about these disorders. It took me 5 years, and all of my adolescence, to realize that mental illnesses are notsomething to be ashamed of. Fortunately, it was only 5 years that I concealed my true identity from the world because others sometimes bury their disorders for life.

But the fact still remains--I wasn't able to seek help from the people closest to me due to the societal veil over the words "mental illness." Developing through the toughest time human life has to offer (those dreadful, hormonal teenage years), I couldn't express myself in the ways I needed. Instead, I neglected my dark feelings with a fake smile, and suppressed the enraged thoughts with prescribed pills.

No one should ever have to go through that. No one should have to depend on themselves, and only themselves, in desperate times of need. No one, young or old, should have to feel obligated to hide away within their own skin only because the outside world may judge the truth.

Although this article will not fix society's problem with mental illness, I hope it will change those of you who take the time to realize that mental illnesses are not shameful, embarrassing, or disgraceful--they are a part of life that we as the upcoming generations need to understand and accept.

Mental illnesses are not uncommon.

Look around you. Almost 27% of all Americans (86.1M out of 318.9 million) over the age of 18 suffer from diagnosed mental disorders. With that being said, 21% of Americans between the age of 13-18 will develop a mental illness within this timeline.

Mental illnesses are notsomething to pity.

If someone is willing to tell you about their personal issues, do not simply sympathize their life. Although people with mental illnesses may seem weak, we are stronger than you think--there's a reason we're still here today!

Mental illnesses are nothumiliating.

These disorders are due to excessive or moderate amounts of chemicals in the brain. There is no reason to feel ashamed, or shame people for natural occurrences that can not be prevented.

Mental illnesses are notto be over-exaggerated.

One of the hardest things to come across is when I personally hear someone complain about their self-diagnosed OCD, anxiety, bi-polar attitudes, or depression. Yes, many people will have some tendencies that may coincide with mental illness symptoms, but that's normal for the human body! It's called feelings! If you're truly worried about an excessive emotion, please see your doctor as soon as possible.

Mental illnesses are not to be under-exaggerated.

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT under any circumstances disregard a person's suffering. I'm not saying that we need to be pitied, but do not take our adversity as a fabricated excuse. If we could be better, I promise we would be.

Mental illnesses are not things to ignore in conversation or life.

Do not be afraid to speak about mental disorders. Whether you have one, or you know someone who is suffering from one (or many), don't act as if it is the elephant in the room. Educate people, ask questions, learn to understand.

Mental illnesses are notsomething to joke about.

Point blank. If you still don't get it, reread the above sentence again.

Mental illnesses are not defining.

Although at times it may seem this way, mental illnesses do not characterize a person. There is so much more to a human than just their sufferings. This point specifically has taken me a while to cope with, but I will NEVER let my illnesses define who I am as a person, I promise you that. And you shouldn't either.

A big thank you to my mom, the one person who has stood by my side throughout all my hardships. You're my person.