End the Stigma

I believe in the power of words and this Washington Post article is proof of just how powerful they can be. I appreciate the personal stories it includes and am encouraged by the support each person received once they shared their experiences and illnesses.

I could relate to so much of what was said in that article. My daughter has heard it all, especially about being overly dramatic and attention-seeking. My heart broke for her all over again as I read the stories. And I wondered, as a 16-year-old girl, will her peers be as accepting to her as adults have been to those in the article? I hope so, but I fear not.

I believe it is the personal stories that will help end the stigma of mental illness, not just those of the people diagnosed, but of their families, friends, classmates, and co-workers as well. We all are living with the illness. We walk on eggshells and try to console without truly understanding or comprehending the issue. We get verbally attacked and demeaned for not “getting it”. We are expected to come running when needed, but know when to provide space. We hear “I’m sorry” more than anyone on the planet. And sometimes we get blamed for making it worse.

We need to be strong. We need to learn to listen and be patient. We need to accept apologies every time because they are sincere every time. We have a responsibility to support our loved ones with every ounce of our beings. Even when it hurts, because it will. Even when we want to quit, because we will. Even when they push us away, because they will. We need to tell our stories so they know it is okay to tell theirs.

We need to keep the conversation going, to draw attention to the need for better care, not just for the ones we know, but the ones we don’t. Our loved ones, co-workers, friends, and strangers deal with enough most days just trying to be healthy. They can’t escape it. They don’t get a break. They don’t get to walk away from it or go on about their day without it. I don’t think we should either.

We need to be their strength when they have none. We need to listen when the world won’t. We need to be their voice when they don’t have one. We need to step up when they shut down. We need to do more than just listen to their stories, we need to act. We need to make it our job to end the stigma.