Angela-Speech

We're romanticizing mental illnesses.

You can’t seem to scroll down without seeing a quote about crippling depression on a black background or jokes about ending your life. It’s becoming blatantly obvious that our mental state has taken a priority due to the influence of media but is it for the better?

Teens seem to clamour and repost self-deprecating messages which portray that suffering is beautiful. It’s disheartening to see that this has become a norm, the youth thinking that what it means to be accepted is to feed off the emotional instability of others and project that false image of themselves. We’re associating people’s distress with beauty and put those who invent these quotes of suffering and anguish on a pedestal.

We’ve become confused. Social media is a great medium to spread awareness and clear the stigma surrounding mental illnesses but instead, we’re idolizing the pain of others and think of it as a quirky personality trait. There’s a fine line between awareness and glamorizing the illnesses. Those who have influence should choose their words carefully and urge others to seek help from professionals.

Unfortunately, some only encourage this culture of romanticizing mental illnesses. Monetizing from someone's torment. Countless of merchandise have been made with “#anxiety and depression” Something as grave and somber shouldn’t be used as a fashion statement. It’s hurtful to see influencers that we look up to, capitalize on a heavy issue.

According to mirror Magazine, an alarming 34% admitted lying about having a mental illness. There is a problem with how mental illnesses are portrayed. So do we blame the media for its inaccurate portrayal?

Sites with a large teenage following such as Wattpad and Tumblr constantly push the narrative that your romantic interest can fix you, can mend you but this isn’t true. You shouldn’t rely on others for your happiness and it's no one's obligation to "fix you".This is a dangerous message to deliver especially with impressionable teenagers. To embed the idea that having a mental illness makes your character more lovable and charming.

So, should we dismiss the people who post these quotes or is it a genuine cry for help?

Let's initiate a sympathetic and sensitive discussion. Listen and reach out to them. Remind them that there are multiple options for them, such as online therapy, international hotlines that can reach out to them and counselors they could visit. Be mindful and don't invalidate their feelings.

Lastly, remember to be compassionate and empathetic.