Mental Health &Amp; Stigma

Depression and anxiety, coupled with disquieting thoughts, guilt, and trauma, often feel insurmountable for many including myself, like a constant obstacle where relief is always elusive.

Talking openly, and at times very publicly, about mental health challenges is actually quite uncomfortable for me. I grew up in a hyper-conservative, patriarchal community where admitting struggles with mental and emotional health was seen as a sign of weakness, as well as a lack of faith or spirituality.

Success doesn’t always feel like joy. Success can be as simple as opening our eyes and looking to tomorrow for hope and relief.

The stigma surrounding mental health remains a powerful enemy when searching for answers and relief. Yet being open about the challenges faced while forming community and connections with those who also face similar obstacles is empowering and inspiring.

If you suffer from depression or anxiety, know that there are others out here who understand—others who also feel fear, others whose hearts are bruised, yet we are not broken.

I constantly must remind myself when I’m tired of living is that, even in the deepest moments of pain and despair, I’m successful because I haven’t given up. Success doesn’t always feel like joy. Success can be as simple as opening our eyes and looking to tomorrow for hope and relief.

It takes courage to ask for help. It takes courage to get out of bed, it takes courage to get dressed, and it takes courage to step out in public. Simply put, it often takes courage to live.

Logically, I understand no miracle cure exist to solve everything. That would be amazing, but I don’t expect therapy or a pill to completely make my problems disappear.

I do expect that those things can help me smile more, that perhaps I will be able to help make the world a little less painful for myself and others, and that one day the joy behind my smile and in my heart will surpass the pain that currently resides there.