“We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box.”

Unknown

Unity, by definition, is a noun that refers to the state of being joined as a whole. It also means agreement or harmony between people or groups. The word is synonymous with oneness, concord, harmony, agreement, and union.

The idea of unity comes to mind when I think of how mental illness is portrayed in the media, in books, movies and to the world in general. I have to wonder whether the day will come when we are seen as equals, instead of outcasts in a community that has chosen to close its eyes to what we are capable of as human beings. It is a sad state affair when the first words reports when a tragedy happens is that the person was suffering from a mental illness. What they do not understand is that their illness was probably not the reason the event occurred, it is simply a way to place blame. What should be broadcasted is the lack of treatment facilities, doctors, medication, research and people who are willing to find the reason behind why the brain works the way it does?

I chose the word unity because it is my wish and hope that one day we will be able to come together, everyone with an equal understanding of what mental illness is and isn’t. That there will come a time that it is treated as just another illness and not stigmatized, this stigma only creates additional issues for those who live with it. The lack of knowledge by society draws those who suffer further into a corner, to hide themselves from the looks, comments and fear of what will happen if they are found.

It would surprise many to know how many people they associate with daily are mentally ill, you don’t know because we are forced to live in silence. What we long for is unity with the world, the community, with each other and no longer feel the need to cry in silence because our minds just cannot handle much more.

I feel sometimes this is only a dream, a fantasy my mind creates for itself to get through the toughest hours, but there is hope, there has to be.