We need to dismiss the stigma of mental health. In doing so, we ourselves must realize it is a condition that we must deal with. The symptoms do not define who we are, but something we must face and deal with.
We should not be afraid to talk about them or seek help for them. It takes a strong person to realize that help is needed, and a stronger person to seek that help, so in no way are we weak because we have a mental illness!
I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's an illness we have, we are not the illness, and it is treatable, so seek out the information and act on it. There are people out there who care and are there to support us, take the step and reach out!
I just feel the urge to walk!
It is a very important issue. I have dealt with my daughter's depression and anxiety issues to only come to terms with my own. My daughter handled her's so well, sharing with others and not judging herself and only 17 at the time. When she or other's I have known have had troubles, I am amazed at how well they handle it, talk and share. But then when it was me, I wasn't able to even admit it my husband much less my 3 kids. I went to see the doctor for help on the one day I knew my friend the office nurse wouldn't be there so I didn't have to tell her. I held my secret for a year, only telling my boss incase of work issues. I am mom, I am the fixer and handler, I am the one people come to for help when life might give them too much to handle so I couldn't admit to myself, much less others that my life became more than I could handle. I was very hard on myself, still am at times. Thank you for sharing and spreading the word.
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