Mental health, or rather, the lack thereof, has long been stigmatized by many people. Those who seek out counseling, medication, and/or other forms of coping with their problems are seen as weak or abnormal in some way. This is not the case.

Let's look at this way: people hate to be wrong. It's not necessarily a bad trait, but more of natural, human trait. Think about it--when is the last time you were in an argument and wanted your opponent to prove you wrong, to win? Chances are, that's never been the case. It takes maturity to acknowledge your mistakes if your opponent does end up winning. The same goes for people facing their own problems rather than an interpersonal conflict. If someone has a problem of their own, chances are they don't want to acknowledge it; as previously stated, it takes maturity to acknowledge the problem. Therefore, people who actively seek out help for themselves display an incredible level of maturity and responsibility for oneself. It should be respected, not looked down upon.

I myself have struggled with the idea of realizing that I suffer from mental health issues. I lived for--and still live for to this day--helping those around me. I'm a giver, a lover, a healer, and a helper. It's what I base much of my life around. It has become an integral part of my self-definition. I often found myself confronting my feelings of anxiety with the mindset that "I don't need anyone's help; if I'm truly strong I can get through this alone." I rejected help when it was offered. If I wasn't strong enough to help myself, how on earth could I call myself strong enough to help people around me? I actively sacrificed myself for the sake of others. I would hesitate to tell others about my own problems, the thoughts eating away at my own head, for fear that I was becoming too much of a burden and not enough of a relief for them. Basically, I fell into a hole and was surprised to find the shovel in my own hands.

In retrospect, I've been facing my anxiety alone for over four years. I've only just sought out professional help in the past couple of months, well into my first semester of college. My "lateness" to seek this help doesn't make my efforts to heal any less real or valid. My strength is not diminished because I chose to seek help; in fact, my strength has only increased. I'm working to relieve myself of the burdens I've been carrying around with me for so long.

If you feel that by seeking help you are portraying yourself as weak, you are mistaken. Professional help, in whatever form it may take, is nothing to be ashamed of.

If you feel at risk of harming yourself, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Mental health issues are no joke. Seeking help can put you on the path to healing and improving your strength. Don't crumble under your own burdens. Don't refuse yourself the help you may need. Take the steps to improve your life, and don't let anything stand in your way.