World Mental Health Day 2020: What is something you'd like others to know about mental illness?

Bipolar Disorder, which I have dealt with most of my life, has been debilitating to say the least...It has caused me some major problems throughout my life... I am still, to this day, opting out of my life's plans to focus intensively about my current problems with my everyday life...  I am concerned deeply about my elder years as well, now... Prolonging the fact that my life journey will take me down to more difficult roads in the future...I have lost my father on February 23, 2017, that was devastating to  me personally... Now, I see my mother going down that same road ... My brothers are doing the same....I am convinced after living for 53 years of my young life will be much different to me, in  the long run...I've learned to retire earlier than them, relax more, and take one day at a time... I am realizing today that life isn't all about work, strong will, and character...It's about living for God and His works...

I am not yet at peace with any of the above mentioned but, I am focusing on my own path now... I need to take care of myself now...Not worry so much about everybody else...I am a kind, and loving man unlike my father...And I've learned throughout all my experiences that I must be kind and loving towards myself too!!!!

I wish people and healthcare would realize mental health is just as important as physical health. Also, the fact that you have mental health issues doesn't decrease your ability to perform a specific job or any job.

@Trohv7532 Hi Trohv7532, thank you for your comment! You make a great point, there is a lot of work to be done to end the stigma related to mental illness among the general public with among healthcare professionals as well!