Praised for providing one of the most accurate and compassionate portrayals of living with mental health issues, The CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is breaking the the stigma of mental illness one episode at a time.

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Photo Credit: Eddy Chen/The CW

The show’s dark jokes about everyday struggles like changing your sheets, eating right and the anxiety attacks caused by one unanswered text resonate with countless viewers and teach important lessons about living with a mental health disorder.

Mental health issues can come with a lot of self-doubt and fear of the future

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There’s no black and white solution

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Romantic relationships may fuel underlying issues

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Self-care is more than making yourself look good for others

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When things fall apart, professional help may be needed

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Social media can be particularly unhealthy

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The crippling power of procrastination

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Pay attention to your emotions and find their source

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Addiction may be part of the problem

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Looks may be deceiving

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Sometimes a quiet night in is the best gift you can give yourself

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Self-loathing spirals are real and never pretty…

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… and neither is depression, despite what movies tell you

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Your mental health may become a matter of life and death

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Toxic relationships with parents may contribute

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But you need to take responsibility for your own bad behavior too

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Don’t point fingers

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Accept the messiness of life

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Learn to say no

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Getting the right diagnosis is crucial, but it’s just the beginning

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Cheer for yourself

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Believe in your journey

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