Mental Health Stigma Is Shattered By Sharing Stories

Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

I’d like to address some of the stigma that (still!) surrounds mental health.

My Experience Talking About Mental Health

First off, I’d like to share my experience. And I’m not speaking for anyone other than myself here.

I can genuinely say that, for the most part, people have been unbelievably supportive and loving regarding me sharing my mental health struggles from my late teen years (please see an abbreviated version of my story below).

This has been true across the board — on social media, in public speeches, in articles, in books — I’ve received an enormous amount of love.

One friend from New York City said to me in person, after seeing a Facebook post where I publicly shared some of my struggles from the past, “I didn’t know you struggled with that. I respect you so much for sharing that, as that’s not easy to overcome.”

My friends have respected me even more for sharing this. The right people will appreciate you for being yourself.

Some People are Judged and Put Down for Talking About Mental Health

I’m saying all this because I’m heartbroken and truly saddened to hear that other people have not had…