Using the names of mental illnesses to describe people or circumstances other than exactly what they are intended for is WRONG. People in our society need to understand that the term “bipolar” is not synonymous with “crazy,” “weird” or “annoying.” Also, using words like “depressed” and “anxious," when you are truly not, works to downplay the severity of the illnesses millions of people suffer from daily. In the vernacular of today's youth specifically, the terms "anxious," "depressed," and "bipolar" have become particularly popular.

While I understand that, yes, anxiety is a feeling that most people battle at some point throughout their lives, most do not suffer from the truly debilitating symptoms and struggles that those dealing with anxiety disorders do. When I hear the term "anxious" being used by my peers or friends even, on my college campus especially, it is generally used to describe some nervous feeling a person has -- whether they are "anxious" about a test grade or the response to a text from a boy. However, when I hear this, I want to scream at the top of my lungs. As a person who suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I have constant free-floating anxiety in my mind and body and I talk myself out of irrational thoughts continuously-- that is anxiety. Or people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and their compulsions overrun their daily lives and their ritualistic behavior interfere with their happiness-- that is anxiety. Even Panic Disorder, which I suffer from in a mild way, when sudden fear overtakes your mind and body, your heart races and you fall victim to a full blown panic attack where you cant control your breathe or thoughts-- that is anxiety. Using the term "anxious" when describing mild discomfort or nerves really doesn't encompass what anxiety truly is.

The same goes for the term "depressed." Depression is a medical term and is a true illness that can suffocate a person's will to survive and delve them in the deepest pits of despair. Being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder was a wake-up call for me and showed me how dark and scary depression truly can be. So, when I hear people use depression as a way to describe their sadness about not getting the car they wanted, or even worse, as an insult or way to describe a person who doesn't bring a significantly upbeat presence into the room, I cringe. Dealing with depression is much more than sadness. It is complete isolation. It is the loss of the desire to leave your home, complete basic tasks, follow through with any kind of self-care and hygiene, or even to live. It is NOT the less-than-happy feeling a person has when something doesn't go their way.

By the same token, Bipolar Disorder is no joking matter either. While it is a disorder that causes individuals who suffer from it to deal with mood swings, these mood swings of mania and depression are felt throughout week or month long periods and the highs and lows are not as instantaneous as people believe it to be. It is also not something that is so negative that it should be used as an insult. People use the term "bipolar" as synonymous with crazy or someone who changes their mind very quickly, and that is simply not the case.

Along with the misuse of these terms, the frequency that these are used in everyday conversation takes away from how severe these illnesses are. If the conversation was centered around reducing stigma around these illnesses and the mental health crisis that we face today, I would be more understanding of hearing the words "depressed," "anxious" and "bipolar" on a daily basis-- I would be ecstatic, even! But when people are throwing these words around, they are using them incorrectly and I feel that it is very offensive and inconsiderate.

Using these terms is totally acceptable. Anxiety is something we may all feel, depression can most definitely affect you as a person and you may, in fact, be dealing with an individual who suffers from bipolar disorder. However, if that is not the case and you are using these words as insults, coming from an uninformed perspective, or simply using them without care, please discontinue. You are hurting the community of people who continually suffer from these mental health crises, and many others, and taking away from the severity of these illnesses.

Until next week friends!