I am a college student and was saddened yesterday to hear that one of my fellow classmates is battling alcoholism and perhaps has a mental illness that I am not aware of. Let's call him Steve. Steve has masters in economics and a degree in English. He is a very intelligent man. Last semester he missed a few days due to his drinking, but not has many as he has already missed this semester. I was informed that he had withdrawn from school. I am deeply saddened by this as he was very enthusiastic about class and the field which we will eventually get into.

The thing that bothers me most is the negative comments made by my classmates, they seem to be getting a kick out of the fact that he is struggling with illness and basically blaming him for all his faults. Being a recovering alcoholic myself I do agree that quitting takes will power and discipline. I struggle nearly everyday for the past 3 years with thoughts of drinking but my willpower keeps me strong. The other thing is them always saying that he is off his meds and just straight out crazy. They have seen him on campus talking to himself and looking depressed, but he does not show up to class. One classmate reported that he was looking at a dorm roof which stands 3 stories. He was smiling and was fixed on what he saw. I asked my classmate if he stopped and asked him how he was doing, of course the answer was no. I asked didn't you feel concerned about his well being. The reply was simple; why should I care?

I found out this week that the average person would rather make fun of people with mental faults instead of helping and supporting them through tuff times. Everyone would rather just call him a drunk and blame him for just liking to drink.

After doing some research I was able to find;

"At least 50 percent of the 2 million Americans with severe mental illness abuse illicit drugs or alcohol, compared to 15 percent of the general population" according to the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration.

This diagnosis is difficult to obtain due to the facts of these two overlapping each other. Determining which is covering up which id difficult to do by doctors. This is even more difficult with teenagers. I was not diagnosed with any mental illness until I quit drinking. I felt while drinking that it was just a way for me to unwind after a long day at work. During my teenage years there was depression during certain times of my life, but this was considered normal. I was looked upon as just being a troubled youth not an alcoholic or mentally ill. Now that I reflect on those years I can see now that there was a problem with my mental well being and am glad that I was able to make through all these years.

I guess the reason for this post is to give compassion to those who suffer from both substance and mental illness. I know first hand that this is a difficult fight and do not wish it upon my worst enemies. So to all that suffer, good luck in your fight and keeping taking life one day at a time.