Your Story is More Valuable Than You Think
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Your Story is More Valuable Than You Think

The stigma surrounding mental illnesses will be changed by communicating stories with one another.

9
Your Story is More Valuable Than You Think
Pexels

Talking about mental health is taboo in our society for many reasons. People feel ashamed and afraid that others will view them as weak and incapable of interacting with others. Conquering negative thoughts is not simple, but once you feel confident in your mental health state, sharing your story can be extremely valuable.

Most people who have suffered with mental illness avoid talking about it because of the stigma surrounding it. Even though rewinding to the past and describing what you went through is challenging, it is also incredibly valuable for those who are unaware of the importance of mental health, for people currently suffering with a mental illness, and especially for yourself. Recognize the tremendous worth and benefits of sharing your experience. There are many.

For starters, it can teach people more about your specific mental illness and how damaging it can be. People who may have never had a serious mental illness may make generalizations about how they are meaningless or controllable. Your story can change that - it can show them just how severe the effects are and even teach them more about mental illnesses in general. Society tends to reject those who openly admit to having a mental illness despite their commonness and severity. Sharing your story is one major way that you can get rid of the negativity and shame associated with having a mental illness and make it more widely understood.

Furthermore, it may help individuals who are currently experiencing what you have proudly overcome. Based on my experience, reading people's stories about the same illness I experienced helped me feel accepted. It was always challenging to speak to people about it face-to-face for fear that I would be an outlier or considered crazy, but by reading these stories, I knew that I was not alone and felt as though I could finally relate to someone.

Lastly, it can be extremely beneficial to yourself. For a long time, I tried to ignore it and forget about the things I went through in the past. It worked in the short-run, but the thoughts would come back every now and then. Sharing my story helped me move on from the past that I so desperately wanted to forget, and in the end, I felt so strong and so brave. Telling my story to people online first, then in person, allowed me to accept the past and move forward. It not only benefited my friends and family who wanted to understand what I was going through at the time, but it also finally encouraged me to look forward to new and better things.

It is rare that you will hear someone openly speak to you about their mental illness, but the Internet has plenty of relatable experiences that you can read. There are a few ways that you can share your story - online, in person, or both. Mental health organizations, such as No Stigmas, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Time to Change are just several places where you can submit your experience with mental illness.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

935615
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

112378
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

70283
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments