In the psychology class I peer facilitate for, we had a couple of speakers from the BGSU group, Speaking From Experience, talk to the class about mental illness. The goal of the speakers was to inform students about treating mental illness and learning how to cope with these conditions that often interrupt one’s entire life.

Overall, I really enjoyed their presentation. Educating people about mental illness or any disability is a big factor in helping others learn about the disabilities others have to deal with on a day-to-day basis and help to educate others if they or a family member or friend ever encounters mental illness.

The speakers were positive and offered hope to listeners that one can overcome a mental illness with the proper treatment. Some of the speakers talked about medication, psychiatric therapy, having faith in God, and even art to deal with the stress and effects of a mental illness.

Mental illness can range from depression to schizophrenia. While it is no fun to deal with a mental illness, as the speakers noted, many of the speakers stated they would not change what they have had to go through because the illness made them stronger.  I found it interesting that the speakers noted that after overcoming the deepest depths of their mental illness—they emerged thankful and relieved to have battled back and won. However, they noted that they must still confront the effects of their mental illness from time to time, just not on a constant basis.