Dear one,
If we want to stop the stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction, we have to stop making mental health and addiction a joke. Schizophrenia is not funny. Someone getting a million views on Tik Tok for filming someone having a manic episode outside a convenience store is not funny.
We have to stop saying seemingly harmless things like “I am so addicted to that show.” or “That cake was like crack!”
We have to be willing to talk openly and honestly about depression and anxiety. We have to stop normalizing working ourselves to death. We have to speak up when we hear and see stigmatizing language and behaviors.
People with unmanaged mental health needs are not a joke. People who use drugs are not a joke. They are people who deserve love and respect, full stop.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one.
Love,
