Breaking the Stigma: Mental Illness is not a Personality

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In today’s era, people are more open to conversations relating to mental health conditions. But as these discussions grow, the line between mental illness and personality quirks slowly starts to blur. Social media begins to paint those illnesses as something casual and displayed online without understanding the weight between them. 

While it is a good sign that the current generation are more aware how serious these disorders are, the casual misuse of it gradually becomes a threat to the people who truly carry the weight of suffering because of their mental issues.

Phrases like, "Ang ligalig mo naman! May ADHD ka siguro,” or "Na-d-depress ako, ang daming activities!" have become common expressions. But in using these terms lightly, people dismiss the clinical criteria and real diagnosis between them. Describing someone as having ADHD simply because they appear to be energetic, or claiming “depression” to refer to school stress, reduces these complex conditions into casual labels. As a result, people will start to neglect the proper understanding of what those disorders mean.

Mental Illness Is Not An Accessory

Social media has altered how people view mental health conditions but it is not always for the better. For instance, they relate themselves too much in short self-diagnosis videos on the internet that lead people to quickly assume that they have a disorder without seeking an assessment from a professional. Complex disorders like ADHD, PTSD, and depression are being viewed as personality quirks and temporary moods to describe daily stress, especially on platforms like TikTok.

Those mental health terms have begun to be used as an accessory. Some users flaunt them online as aesthetic labels, while others use them to excuse certain behaviors and gain sympathy. The misuse of these labels can spark the beginning of stereotypes and it would make people believe that those who suffer with it lack the capability to change.

Those occurrences are what waters the roots of the stigma that is slowly emerging in today’s society. This mindset should never be normalized, for mental illness is not something everyone can display like an accessory—but rather a struggle that is in need of understanding.

Words Cut Deep Than a Knife

Words are powerful. The wound that one can inflict on a person's confidence from simply diagnosing them by merely basing it on the way they present themselves in front of other people leaves scars that no one else could see but themselves. The echo lingers; hidden beneath the surface of their thoughts. And it does not just lead to their destruction—it restricts them to show who they really are. It also fuels the flame of their self doubt. A single comment and the misapplication of mental diagnosis about their behavior does not inflict them with physical pain—it fractures their soul.

Nothing is more painful than being described as someone that they believe they are not. 

Everyone's greatest enemy has always been their mind. It is easier to destroy. More so, it is also difficult to mend—one word is already equivalent to countless insecurities. Therefore, no one should ever be the reason for someone to have the need to dim their light just because of a mental accusation.

Change Does Not Require Grand Actions

It begins with small acts of consideration and a look into the bigger picture. Perhaps most people behave the way they do because that is where they feel the safest and comfortable. Others find solitude in silence and would rather spend their time alone than being one with the crowd—but it does not mean that they have an avoidant personality disorder like few people would think. Although there are also types of people who find their comfort in being a social butterfly; entertaining everyone with the same ounce of energy and effort—but it does not mean that they have ADHD or that they are bipolar, because of their sudden change of mood.

Everyone has their own sense of tranquility. While some may find theirs in the most quiet places; some in the most crowded spaces—it does not give anyone the free will to casually judge the kind of personality that they carry.

In creating a more compassionate and responsible society where the citizens that contribute to its growth are mentally aware—everyone must learn to separate mental health challenges from casual behavioral patterns. Mental illness deserves more than just precision—not misuse; comprehension—not an excuse.

Change does not require a grand action—consideration does. And a little kindness as an addition. [F]

Via Stephanie Medrano, Staff Writer

Kevin Serinas, Layout Artist

Kendrick Lamao, Cartoonist