Not all mental illnesses are invisible. Not all physical health issues are visible,
either.
I believe that we need to spread awareness about mental
health issues, but most of the campaigns out there are selective. They ignore the “not so pretty” aspects of
mental illness, and this is unacceptable.
It does not lead to true awareness, and can actually lead to increased
ignorance and discrimination. It can do
more harm than good.
Handwashing in OCD can cause visible damage, which in some
cases is long-term, and even permanent.
Many forms of self-harm, ranging from cutting and other
related forms of self-injury, to eating disorders, leave visible scars and
effects, which may be permanent, to varying degrees.
More understanding and compassion in society,
and less shunning, would help. 