Start a conversation
Something wonderful has happened….the reason I took to writing this was to start a conversation, to give a voice, to speak up in the hope that others may do the same. To share to feel like we are not alone!
Social rejection
Depression, anxiety, and the associated shame, embarrassment, loneliness, confusion and fear, can cripple any one of us at any time. Even if we are lucky enough to find support and maybe a diagnosis, then the social rejection of medicine and therapy adds another giant hurdle to leap over to reach acceptance. At times of severe mental illness, leaping over any hurdle, or in fact getting out of bed is beyond achievable.
So you see it is not just the illness but the cure which is just as challenging to accept. Secrecy and isolation is inevitable if maybe your best friend, your brother, your partner are adverse to a lifetime of medication, or are uneducated or ignorant of the help desperately needed.
The ripple effect
A dear friend of mine has done an incredibly brave act and shared his story on social media and has for the first time, felt able to speak up. Some family members had no idea. A weight has been shifted and the shame has begun to dissipate. Since then he has really started to share other stories of depression which we are all familiar with, Robin Williams being one.
Keep on sharing
Many of you have shared your stories and fears with me and I feel so honoured. I know the inner strength and purpose it has given me, and I hope that it in turn gives you peace. By having that talk, we really are breaking down those walls. It is a group effort, not an act of individual, so thank you to all who have shared.
Be kind to yourself, remember you are amazing!
What do you think? Have you had any experience with mental health stigma, with a loved one, or yourself? Please comment below.
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