I read and see a lot of stuff from parents that take pride in the fact that their children don’t have any mental illnesses and take that to mean they are superior in some way.
And if you are free of mental illness, that’s awesome. One less thing to worry about in a stressful world.
But if your parents or any of your family members have exhibited moral superiority for ‘raising you right’ because you don’t visibly suffer from mental illness, it would be that much harder to tell them you’re struggling.
It would be really stressful to admit that you’re not what they thought. And if your parents have this sense of superiority and believe that only crazy people take meds and go to therapy, that would make it even harder. But ignoring what you’re feeling will only make it worse.
Parents: mental illness is real and it is blind. It didn’t care that I had a healthy, happy childhood and it didn’t care that I have a loving family that has always supported me. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Do what you have to do to be well.
Kids (I’m 21 and I still classify myself as a kid): You’re normal. Maybe you’re struggling and for that, I’m sorry but it’s not a sin. You can take meds and go to therapy and if your parents make you feel like a disappointment? That’s a toxic relationship and I’m so, so sorry for that. Find help anyway – you deserve it. You deserve to live and be happy.
The Life of a Mourning Dove 