What Happens When You Call Someone “Crazy”
By Ari Eastman
Join me this month: #ImNotCrazy
You can email me ari@thoughtcatalog.com your #ImNotCrazy pictures to show support or contact me on my Facebook page. I’ll highlight them on my social media accounts throughout the month. I’ll also be publishing personal essays from those who’ve dealt/deal with mental illnesses all month long. If you’re interested in that, please don’t hesitate to email me for more information.
This May, aim to practice awareness and mindfulness. Stop the casual use of the word “crazy.” It’s a simple, but easy step we can all take to further promote love and acceptance. We need to erase the shame in discussing mental illnesses so those struggling don’t feel alienated. And we need to remember how our word choice can impact those around us.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18% of U.S. population). Yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
Depression reportedly affects 1 in 10 Americans at one point or another. And over 80% of those with symptoms are not receiving any treatment for the illness.
It could all start with you. Stop saying crazy.
Need immediate help? United States:
1 (800) 273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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