Mental health is the source of fear for many people. There is so much stigma attached to many of the diagnoses. Adults frequently are afraid that they will lose their jobs if anyone finds out. This leads to not getting help, and not being able to talk to anyone about their mental health isolating them from the world. Which in turn, can lead to more mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Just having a mental health diagnosis can trigger a domino affect.
I have written a lot about mental health, and I will continue to do so. The stigma needs to be demolished. Too many people are getting hurt due to the stigma, and I don’t want to lose any more friends because of it.
I don’t want another family to feel alone and ashamed because someone they care for is in a psychiatric unit at the hospital.
I don’t want another person to not seek treatment because they fear someone will find out. It’s far more likely that someone will find out if you don’t seek help when your world explodes.
People are afraid of being labeled crazy.
You are not crazy.
You are a human being who is sick and needs help to get better.
This is why it is SO important for us to share our stories.
To share what it’s actually like to have a mental illness. Sharing the discrimination we face.
Share how difficult it is to get treatment.
Even once you’ve decided you need treatment, due to lack of enough mental health professionals, insurance, and the cost of care and medication- it can still be impossible.
People need to share their stories so that we can hear the success stories. Because right now the stories of loss and failure are war more widespread than those of success. To the point where we wonder if there are any successes out there.
What is your story?
Mine is the story of dealing with anxiety and sometimes depression. I’m also a family member of people who struggle with a laundry list of mental health issues. This blog holds my story and the story of some of my family members. Successes and failures.
Reach out. There is help.
Should you wish to share your story with others, send me an email at Calleen@anordinarymom.site. If your story is a good fit for this page, I’ll share it.
Calleen
