Removing the stigma of mental illness is a fight against it, and it is a hard one. As someone who has had my own experience of battling depression and anxiety, I have often tried to put my thoughts and feelings into words, only to find myself unable to. However, in my forties, I now feel ready to share the story of my struggles and the resilience that kept me going.
Thanks to the vast amount of information on the internet and the greater visibility of the issue through social media, conversations about mental health and mental illnesses are becoming more commonplace. Yet, we still hear stories of people struggling with depression and bullying, resulting in suicide or overdose. A growing number of celebrities are also coming forward to open up about their struggles, creating more opportunities for constructive dialogue on the subject.
I hope that with more conversations, the stigma of mental illness will be lessened, and those suffering from it will feel more comfortable reaching out and seeking help. I know this because I, too, was once plagued by fear and shame at the prospect of being called ‘crazy’ and was sometimes unable to control my emotions or comprehend why I was feeling the way I was.
My journey has not been easy, but I am grateful to have been able to get to a place where I can reach out and find support. Now, I aspire to use my story as a source of motivation and hope for others. Ultimately, through this process, I am here and able to share my experience with you today.