While casually scrolling through Amazon the other day, I came across a t-shirt that says:
"I have OCD & ADHD. Everything has to be perfect BUT not for very long."
At first glance, it felt like just another “quirky” internet joke. After all, shirts like these are everywhere now. You’ll find them in memes, reels, or even influencer merch drops. But then I paused and thought, Why don’t we ever see the same kind of playful taglines about physical illnesses?
Imagine someone wearing a t-shirt that says:-
"I have diarrhea and I run faster than Wi-Fi."
Uncomfortable, right? Exactly.
What Is OCD and ADHD?
Before we laugh at something, we need to understand what we’re laughing at.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD isn’t about “being neat” or “liking things a certain way.” It’s a serious anxiety disorder that causes individuals to experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feel compelled to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to ease the anxiety. These actions can be exhausting and severely disrupt daily life.
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is not just about being “distracted” or “hyper.” It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, impacting daily life, social relationships, and school or workperformance.
Mental Health Deserves the Same Respect as Physical Health
This isn’t about being sensitive or “cancel culture.” It’s about recognizing that mental health issues are just as valid and serious as physical ones. When society treats one as a trend and the other as a medical emergency, it creates a gap in empathy and in care.
Let’s stop doing that. Next time you see a mug, tee, or meme that makes a joke out of someone’s mental health, pause.
Ask yourself:
“Would this be okay if it was about a physical illness?”
If the answer is no maybe it’s not that funny after all.
Mental health isn’t a vibe. It’s not merch. It’s not an aesthetic. It’s someone’s daily struggle. It’s time we treat it with the same seriousness we reserve for physical health because honestly, it deserves nothing less.