Fact: Mental health issues often require professional treatment and support; they are not something one can simply will away.

When I was growing up, nobody talked about mental health. In fact, I distinctly remember one of my parents telling me to just “suck it up.” And believe me, I wanted to. I wanted to shake off whatever I was feeling, to just "snap out of it" like everyone expected. But instead of getting better, I spiraled deeper into shame and confusion because I couldn’t just suck it up. What I was experiencing wasn’t something that could be powered through—it was a real, legitimate mental health condition.

It wasn’t until I truly understood what I was dealing with—CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)—that everything changed. With that understanding came the ability to seek the right help, to implement the right strategies, and to care for myself in the way I needed. The difference is night and day. I’m no longer held back by an invisible obstacle that I didn’t even know existed. Now that I understand my mental health, I’m free to live without limits. Can you imagine telling someone with a broken ankle to "suck it up"? Expecting them to limp through life without getting proper treatment? The same applies to mental health—once we seek care, healing becomes possible, and running toward life isn’t far away.

The Elephant in the Room:

With the rise of social media and the risks of self-diagnosis, I get it—some people are skeptical. And honestly? That's fair. Misuse of mental health labels is a problem. But here’s the truth: If someone thinks something is wrong, the responsible thing to do is seek out a professional. Don’t just settle for a Google search or a trendy TikTok video to diagnose yourself. Go to a licensed therapist or a doctor and find out for sure.

But let’s address something even more dangerous: people using mental health as an excuse for laziness or poor behavior. If that’s you, understand that this only feeds into the toxic stigma surrounding mental health. When people fake it, they’re making it harder for those who really need help to be heard and supported.

People with genuine mental health conditions do not want them. And believe me, they are often willing to do the hard work it takes to feel better. But those who misuse mental health as a scapegoat? You are making the uphill battle steeper for everyone who has to face these challenges every single day.

Call to Action:

If you’re struggling with your mental health—if you feel like something isn’t right—don’t try to "snap out of it." Don’t brush it off. And please, don’t feel ashamed for needing help. Seek a professional and get the care you deserve. The difference it will make is life-changing.

And if you don’t have a mental health condition, but you’re tempted to misuse it as an excuse? Stop. Think. Consider the harm you’re doing. Mental health is a serious issue, and your actions affect not just yourself but the people around you who truly need help. Be a part of breaking the stigma, not reinforcing it.

At the end of the day, we all deserve to live without shame, without limits. So let's be kind to ourselves and to each other. If we take care of our mental health—whether we need to heal or simply learn to understand—we can all run toward a healthier, brighter future.