I have depression. Some days I am depressed. Some days I suffer from depression. Some days I forget that I have depression. Many days I manage my depression; it’s there, but I’ve learned how to wrangle, tame, and co-exist with it. I have depression and I am not ashamed.
I’ve shared my experiences with depression over the years with the hope of ending the stigma around this illness. You can read my past posts here. End the Stigma (#EndtheStigma) also wants to help people talk about mental illness and chronic illness openly and honestly. The hope is that people will feel supported and know that they are not alone. We don’t need to hide or cover up mental illness. We can and should talk about therapy, medication, mindfulness, and other types of support.
End the Stigma offers badges for anyone to make their own collage and tell their story. I wanted to share my collage today and encourage others to help #EndtheStigma in whatever way you feel comfortable – share a badge, share this blog post, make a collage, talk to a friend, make an appointment with a therapist. You are worthwhile and important. Your health matters. You are not alone.
Let’s #EndtheStigma today, so we can support each other.
It shocks me that in 2017 there is still a stigma!! I worked in mental health for years and I was shocked at all the people it touches and how many were outright ashamed of it!! I have suffered from severe anxiety for many years and I finally am on meds for it, and feeling a million times better!! I was like why didn’t I do this earlier…easy, I was embarrassed and ashamed that I wasn’t a stronger person. When in reality its not strength I am lacking!!