PSA: If you have a mental illness, it's not your fault.

There's a lot of misinformation out there, and my goal with this post is to destroy that misinformation. So, without further ado, let's begin.<br><br>1. You aren't flawed. Mental illness is a result of your brain not being able to properly process certain neurotransmitters. It's not your fault if your brain cannot handle serotonin, dopamine, GABA, or any other neurochemical.<br>2. Mental illness is not an indication of poor character. It is no different from fighting or managing diabetes, coronary disease, hypertension, or anything else.<br>3. Although our brains may not function normally, we are not flawed. We don't need to be "fixed." We can't simply "man up" or "toughen up." We require treatment and support in order to fully participate in life. This is not to say that anyone should play the victim card, but rather that we must take control of our sickness in order to live a healthy life.<br>4. Mental illness, not poor parenting, is the cause of mental illness. Parents, don't blame yourself. There is nothing you could have done to keep your child/family member/friend from developing a mental illness.<br>5. Mental illness is not contagious. Mental illness is not communicable. Yes, we can develop coping methods, and if we choose to use them, we can infect you. However, we are not your disease. We are not your sickness. We are not your flaws. You are not flawed because of us, and we are not flawed because of us.<br>If y'all have any other points, share them down below.