Everyone spends time “looking” for the cure for cancers, or other diseases. I’m alright with that. But I wish they would stray from those for a bit, and look to other things. Can’t they look at mental illness like that?
I don’t think anyone knows, that sometimes, a mental illness can be very much like a cancer.
Taking away from your life. Your family. Your friends. Anyone around you, who cares for you, and who you care for.
Suicide can be pretty devastating. Those people you think are so happy on the outside. The inside is a completely different thing.
I think people should pay the same amount of attention to the mental health issues in today’s world, as well as those physical. Why does cancer get to be “ok”? When mental illness is shunned. Oh, that person is a freak because of whatever. Suppose this may be a horrible argument. I don’t think it’s fair. I’m sick of it.
I wouldn’t say having a mental illness is part of who I am, but I also don’t like the idea that I have to hide it away from everything. Keep it all hushed up. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. I’m fine. I’m happy. I just want people to know these things exist. It’s real. I’m not insane. I think the same. I still think like any other teenager, that I want to be myself. I find it hard. I think about the opposite sex, I think about school, I think about the future. I do not think about harming other people. Or any of those other stereotypical thoughts. I used to think about harming myself more then anything.
I don’t now. I’m just a regular person. I think I’m pretty plain and simple. I like hanging out with my friends. I like to watch movies, I like to surf the internet.
I don’t think I’m different. Yet that one nagging thought at the back of my head, keeps me in that category. I wish there wasn’t a category, but we all know there is. And most likely, always will be. We can try our hardest though.
I don’t know if there is a cure for a mental illness, but I think the best way to cure it, is to make it something, not so hushed. Everyone should know, there is nothing wrong with these people. That way, we can continue to live, like everyone else.
To me, that’s a cure.

Written by Erin, 15, Prince Edward Island