To start the new year, folks have been taking to social media to #EndTheStigma of mental illness. The #EndTheStigma Facebook page has posted various pictures to open the conversation about Mental Illness and Trauma. The idea of the campaign is for everyone who struggles to post the picture you feel fits you best. You can find the picture by searching the hashtag on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr #EndTheStigma. The purpose of the project is to let people openly talk about a topic that is normally stigmatized.
We are all survivors of something, whether it be our high school heartbreak, childhood sexual assault, abuse, self-harm, suicide, addiction, etc. We all have a story that needs to be told. Talking about mental illness is something that's always been shunned as attention seeking behavior. So we really need to open up the conversation. If you're ready, I encourage you to speak as well.
To start the conversation, I took to social media and had people anonymously share their stories with consent for this specific article. I'm using the first initial of their name for privacy.
L - I have anxiety, depression, and I'm a suicide attempt survivor. I have been bullied almost all my life because I walked and acted differently. When I came out as gay, my family threw me out on the street. That's when I attempted suicide for the last time. Once I realized that my life had worth, it was easier to move forward and see the positives in life. Please, let's end the stigma.
A - I have bipolar disorder. People have ostracized me for it. I am not ashamed, please #EndTheStigma.
B - I am a child abuse survivor, because of it, it takes me a long time to trust people. It's just a part of me that people need to accept. I'm not ashamed, so let's please #EndTheStigma
A - I've participated in self-harming behaviors for 12 years. I'm 2 years clean. #EndTheStigma
J - I'm a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. I haven't fully recovered yet, but I'm determined so let's #EndTheStigma so I can openly talk about it without feeling judged.
Talking allows us to find others who are going through similar things. It allows us to access support networks from people with lived experience.
Whats your story?
