Those of us with a mental illness have been sitting by quietly while the term “Mentally Ill” and it’s derivatives have been weaponized to insult those in which people disagree. It’s being associated (with or without intent) that not only are you on the wrong side of an issue or morally bankrupt but also that you’re point

of view is so skewed you must be mentally ill. This had become common among all points of view and is used way to easily without forethought.

This post is not to create a debate on any current issue outside of this topic as I’ve been watching this occur for years as a way to discredit any view or belief. To associate mental illness with something wrong or out right evil has tragic consequences. Those diagnosed or yet to be will begin to hide and become silent out of fear that their illness will cause society to reject them, because they’re dangerous, or even criminal.

The fear of being shunned even more than the norm is increased as this trend of insult grows acceptable. You may not intend or realize you’re creating such an environment because society is comfortable with using such derogatory terms which relate to mental illness. This comfort must end. Associating all things evil and backwards with mental illness to marginalize another’s view needs to stop immediately.

Those of us with an illness sit back watching all of this and wonder what do you really think of us, do you care about the impact you’re having on the community, and is insulting another with such words more important than the millions of us who live with the stigma of mental illness everyday?

Stop causing people to hide again in the shadows they may be bravely trying to step out of. Stop increasing the silence among those with an illness.

To those who live with mental illness it shouldn’t have to be reiterated you are none of the demeaning descriptions being used nor should you ever believe that. These are not your shortcomings but another’s. All of you are living courageously and are stronger than you may even know. Together we cannot let others define who we are out of an agenda or anger and we must encourage one another with love, acceptance and understanding to end the negativity of stigma once and for all.