For most of my life, I lived in the shadows of secrecy and shame, hiding a part of myself that I desperately wished I could change. I struggled silently with depression and battled the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. It wasn't just the weight of these conditions that burdened me; it was the stigma that surrounded them. In this blog post, I want to share my story and why it is so important to destigmatize mental illness, drawing from my own experiences and the broader implications it has on society.
It has now been four decades that I’ve lived with depression. I can’t begin to tell you the number of nights that I cried myself to sleep, the mornings of not wanting to get out of bed, or the number of times I just wanted to end it all. But it is not just about managing my symptoms; it's also about the social stigma that surrounds it. I became an expert at wearing a mask of normalcy, hiding behind fake smiles and laughter. I never wanted to be treated differently because of my depression, so I hid it. I wanted to appear normal and go about my life without being defined by my mental health. I knew that if I opened up about my issues, people might treat me differently and perhaps be afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing to set me off. But here's the irony I’ve found - the fear of being treated differently led to more isolation. I became stuck in a cycle of silence and by keeping my struggles hidden, I denied myself the support I needed. I didn't want your pity, I just wanted understanding. I wanted to live in a world where I could openly discuss my issues without fear of judgment or alienation.
Destigmatizing mental illness, to me, means disputing the stereotypes that exist in society. It means educating people about the reality of mental illness and pushing back against the myths that surrounds it. One thing I’ve heard, and it drives me crazy, is that people with mental illness are violent, abusive, or dangerous. I’m not any of those things, and in reality, most people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of abuse or violence.
I feel we must share our stories, because it encourages open conversations, and by talking openly about mental health, I believe we can create a safe space for people to share their struggles, creating better understanding and comfort. It also promotes obtaining help without fear of judgment. Stigma often deters people, as it did me, from seeking the support they need, leading them to suffer in silence, even when treatment is available to them.
Mental health challenges are part of the human experience and I feel that destigmatizing is a matter of life and death, as it can help prevent tragedies like self-harm or suicide. It can also enhance overall well-being and can add to a healthier society by encouraging people to care for their mental well-being, promoting inclusivity, and sending a powerful message that everyone, regardless of their mental health status, deserves respect and dignity.
It was during one of my darkest moments that I realized the importance of breaking the chains of silence. My secrets had become unbearable. The sleepless nights, the depressing mornings, and the suicidal thoughts had grown too frequent, and I felt alone. I couldn't continue like this, so I made the hard decision to seek help. It was a terrifying step, but it was also the most liberating. I started therapy and began the process of unraveling the tangled web of emotions and thoughts that had ensnared me for years.
In therapy, I found out that I wasn't alone. There were countless others who had experienced similar struggles and had found their way to recovery. Their stories gave me hope, and I realized that I had a choice: I could continue to hide in the shadows, or I could step into the light and share my own journey.
When I began talking openly about mental illness, I could see the impact it had on those around me. It was as if a weight had been lifted, not just from my shoulders, but from the people I spoke to. I saw that talking about mental health was a tool for reducing stigma. I started speaking at support groups, sharing my story and raising awareness, but the crucial part was education so I could part-way with the myths and provide facts and empathy.
Destigmatizing requires challenging the stereotypes and biases that remain in society. It means speaking out against discrimination and advocating for policies that support mental health care and accessibility. I am determined to continue the fight and I believe that by sharing our stories, educating others, and advocating for change, we can create a world where mental illness is met with compassion and understanding rather than judgment and fear.
Today, I am no longer hiding and I’m proud of my journey and the strength it has given me. I am committed to being a voice for those who are still struggling, and to working towards a future where no one has to hide their mental health challenges.
If you are reading or listening to this, I implore you to join the fight. You can start by educating yourself about mental health and challenging any misconceptions you may hold. Be a compassionate and nonjudgmental listener for those who need to share their experiences. You can also support organizations and initiatives that work towards mental health advocacy and awareness. Reach out to your elected officials and urge them to prioritize mental health care and policies that promote inclusivity and acceptance.
Most importantly, if you are struggling with mental health issues, know that you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care about your well-being. Reach out to a therapist, counselor, or support group. Your journey to healing and recovery is possible, and there is a community ready to stand with you and to help build a more compassionate and understanding world for all.