12 Tweets That Prove No One Should Be Ashamed Of Mental Illness

A mental health disorder is not a character flaw.

Senior Life Editor, HuffPost

Every day, people with mental illness face judgment because of their condition.

Given that one in four people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime, this is unacceptable. Thankfully, a critical mass of Twitter users are here to transform those negative perceptions, starting with a single hashtag.

Recently, users of the social media site started adding #ImNotAshamed to tweets in order to bring awareness to mental health issues and the negative stereotypes surrounding them. These empowering tweets prove people are more than their disorders.

Take a look at some of the messages below:

#imnotashamed of my mental health diagnoses because it's my reality and I can no longer hide it. No one should have to hide #mentalillness
— Erin Gilmer (@GilmerHealthLaw) January 8, 2016

#ImNotAshamed I had major depressive disorder for 7 years. I'm also not ashamed I finally recovered from it either pic.twitter.com/iEf0iGg8y4
— Jasmin Pierre (@JasGotFaith) January 8, 2016

#imnotashamed because my anxiety disorder is an illness and it doesn't define who i am
— Taylor (@taymilen) January 8, 2016

#imnotashamed that my PTSD came from honorable service. I'm ashamed of the people who claim it isn't real, or that I'm just a coward.
— Detroitmechworks (@Detroit15) January 8, 2016

#imnotashamed of having depression and anxiety and being on the spectrum. Still got my doctorate. Eat it, depression.
— Starman (@sunlightwarden) January 8, 2016

#imnotashamed of my mental illnesses any more than anyone ought to be ashamed of any other chronic condition — they can’t be helped.
— Liz Lazzara (@LizLazzara) January 8, 2016

#imnotashamed of my depression or anxiety because shame will never help me heal.
— Emily Goldstein (@editwithemily) January 7, 2016

#imnotashamed about my depression because it's shaped who I am today and I'm proud of how far I've come.
— Zoë Alicia (@ZoeAlicia101) January 7, 2016

#ImNotAshamed of my #mentalhealth disorders. Surviving Double Depression means I'm twice the badass #Depression can ever be! #EndTheStigma
— Dysthymic Dad™ (@DysthymicDad) January 11, 2016

#Imnotashamed of being socially anxious or have depression because I can understand what others are facing and help them and learn from them
— Chad (@GeneralStar489) January 11, 2016

#imnotashamed of my anxiety. I'm a masters student w a 3.9 GPA, a loving friend & a volunteer- doesn't define me! pic.twitter.com/kpFH9cVO5n
— Mental Health Gal (@ProjectFabLife) January 11, 2016

#imnotashamed of my anxiety & ocd. I'm SO proud of getting through & helping others! <3 #EndTheStigma #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/u9uIGp275R
— Rachel Griffin (@rachelgriffin22) January 11, 2016

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