Misinterpreting Mental Illness

In our society, its true what people say that it seems as if there is a diagnosis for every emotion & a pill to go with it. But what do you do or how do you deal with those who actually have mental illness. Do you judge or do you stay away? Do you even understand what mental illness really is or do you just stand by and misinterpret it like all the others? I have met so many people with such closed minds that keep them from actually searching the answers of how mental illness works ,even when their very own children are suffering with these diseases. Let's analyze some for a moment. Let's talk about Depression! And No, it doesnt just mean you're sad and then you get over it. That is one of the most common responses from those who misinterpret mental illness. Or Bipolar Disorder... People use that term so lightly. Someone gets quick to anger and immediately someone says, "You're so Bipolar!" Have you ever stopped to think how a person who actually suffers from this disease feels? What they go through? Or better yet.. What if the very person you are "insulting" or "judging" is actually suffering from the disease without you even knowing? Hmm..Maybe you've thought about this before or maybe you havent, but the truth of the matter is that mental illness is out there and more and more people each day are dealing with all these different diseases. Hurting, crying, suffering, and your words and actions may be affecting them more than you think. Please watch what you say because you never know who could be suffering behind closed doors. I am a perfect example of that! I have Depression and like others I have been judged or misunderstood for my illness. That's why most people who know me know that I have Depression but dont know the extent of my illness. My father , for example, is one who misinterprets mental illness so much. He acts as if its all in your head and you should just get over it. But thats not how it works. I suffer alot to the point that Im no longer happy unless Im singing in my church's choir or am singing in church or just hanging out with some friends. I hate waking up each morning and still feeling the unbearable weight of the sorrow inside me and the pain that comes along with that. But I suffer in silence because so many people say such cruel things that I cant deal with hearing alot of times. So I know first hand the effects that misterpreting mental illness can have. Please do your research, think before you speak, and if your ignorance to this world blinds you please at least be kind enough to bite your tongue.