Having a Mental Disorder is Not Trendy

July 18, 2017 / Christine Deneweth

Editor’s Note: While this comic asks people to avoid trivializing mental illnesses, it’s also true that self-diagnosis is often the first step towards seeking mental healthcare. For more information on the usefulness of self-diagnosis, please see this article.

Click for the Transcript

Panel 1

Text: Having a Mental Disorder Is Not Quirky or Trendy – Christine Deneweth

Panel 2

(Crass talking and smiling. She has short hair, glasses and a green shirt.)

Crass: More people than ever before are getting diagnosed with mental disorders.

Panel 3

(Crass talking.)

Crass: So much so that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is listing new disorders every time it comes out.

Panel 4

(Crass talking.)

Crass: Don’t get me wrong, it’s beneficial because we are getting more people the help they need. But there is some backlash.

Panel 5

(The words “Good thing” have an arrow leading around to “no it’s bad.”)

Text: “Backlash” is the opposite reaction to something that has gained prominence.

Panel 6

Text: An example related to this situation would be more people trying to get unnecessary diagnoses or the idea of mental disorders making you more interesting and “trendy.”

Panel 7

(The hashtags #same #mylife #currentmood and #me float around.)

Text: Now it’s “quirky” or “cool” to have a mental disorder. There are countless memes about anxiety and depression that people repost with #me, which can be harmful for some.

Panel 8

(A word bubble with a question mark.)

Text: These little memes may seem harmless, and people who suffer from those disorders might even repost them too. But what are they really communicating?

Panel 9

(A seedling.)

Text: While they are #relatable, we need more positivity and validation – and not only focus on the negative aspects of mental disorders.

Panel 10

(A fake Facebook status.)

Text: Sometimes people misuse psychological terms as preferences or adjectives. Here’s an example.

Text: I’m so socially awkward. I make uncool puns all the time when I meet someone new lol.

Panel 11

Text: People with diagnosed social anxiety sure as heck aren’t talking about it like this. Social anxiety requires a diagnosis and is characterized by anxiety for everyday interactions, self-consciousness, and fear of embarrassment – not awkwardness.

Panel 12

(Emi talking.)

Emi: My name is Emi, and I can tell you that social anxiety is not cute or funny. Some days I can’t even leave my house.

Panel 13

Text: If you think you might have a mental disorder, get it checked out. If you can, talk to your primary care physician about finding a therapist or look for one on your own. But if you don’t have a mental disorder, here’s what you can do.

Panel 14

(Guy talking.)

Text: Watch your language! Using psychological terms like saying “it’s so bipolar” or “I’m so OCD” can be harmful.

Guy: I’m so…organized

Panel 15

(Guy with Crass and Emi.)

Text: Learn about mental disorders. Don’t romanticize or minimize! Educate yourself and elevate others with support.

To learn more, check out:

5 Unhelpful Things People Say to Trivialize Mental Health Issues
A 3-Step Plan For Asking For Help When You’re Struggling With Your Mental Health

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Christine Deneweth is a Contributing Comic Artist for Everyday Feminism. A queer cartoonist and artist, Christine lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She is a cartoonist for Eastern Michigan University’s newspaper, The Eastern Echo. She writes children’s books about mental disability and has a comic strip that has been published for five years. Comics can be found on her Facebook page, and art can be found on her Instagram @crassaster. Check out her comics here.