Yes, postpartum depression (Experienced by both fathers and mothers), anxiety, and other mental health conditions are real, painful, and deserve empathy. But pain does not excuse cruelty. Struggle does not erase responsibility. Bad behavior is still bad behavior.
If we truly believe that people with mental health challenges deserve to be treated with dignity and equality, then we must also believe they are capable of accountability. You cannot have it both ways — demanding respect while refusing responsibility.
Mental health challenges can explain why someone is struggling, but they do not justify hurting others. They do not give anyone a free pass to be disrespectful, abusive, or harmful. Being in pain yourself does not give you the right to cause pain to someone else.
When we shield bad behavior behind mental health struggles, we don’t protect the vulnerable — we undermine them. We suggest, even if unintentionally, that they are less capable, less in control, less responsible. That is not compassion; it is condescension.
“Mental health is a battle. It is not a blank check to trample on others. You cannot insult me, assault me, betray me — and then turn around and say, “It’s because of my depression.” No. That is not how healing works. That is not how growth happens. That is not how respect is built.”
-Bravin Yuri
Personal accountability must remain non-negotiable. No matter what you’re battling, you are still responsible for the way you treat the people around you. You can explain your actions. You can seek forgiveness. You can heal. But you cannot harm others and expect the world to simply shrug because “you were going through something.”
Mental health is a battle. It is not a blank check to trample on others. You cannot insult me, assault me, betray me — and then turn around and say, “It’s because of my depression.” No. That is not how healing works. That is not how growth happens. That is not how respect is built.
And I say this as someone with lived experience. These excuses only promote stigmatization.
Struggles demand empathy.
Actions demand accountability.
Both can — and must — exist together.