The week of October 4 to 10 is mental illness awareness week, October 10 is World Mental Health Day and October is also healthy workplace month.
This year, I’ve decided that I will speak up about my struggles, educate, shed light on my life and possibly give hope to others that are traveling through difficult times.
As I am someone with a mental fragility, I have a lot to be grateful for and I think it’s important to speak out about our mental illnesses, our fragilities and our disorders. That is the only way we will shed light and remove the stigmas and taboos around these diagnosis. That’s the main reason why I wanted to start blogging. I want to share my story in hope that it will help someone else in need or a friend or family member of someone in need. There is Hope, there is light at the end of that tunnel once you are diagnosed with a mental illness. It is not the end of your journey. It is only the beginning of a new YOU.
Having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of having. Living in this crazy fast pace world, can make anyone a bit crazy, a bit on edge and stressed out. A mental breakdown, a burnout or a depression can happen to any of us, at anytime in our lives. It can even happen more than once. It is not something that is often talked about because people are afraid of the judgment or the shaming that comes after you divulge such vulnerability.
I know that I don’t start every conversation with a stranger with the following: “Hi, my name is Natasha, I’m bipolar, I was abused and I have PTSD flashbacks on a regular basis.” That’s a conversation I keep for only a few privileged ones. It’s not something I start off with on a first or second date, nor is it something I talk about during a job interview or at a girls’ supper.
Why not? Why am I not open with people I want to start a relationship with, whether it is a working relationship, a friendship or a romantic relationship? Well, I’m scared of being judged for my labels, I’m scared of not being taken seriously after or I’m afraid of being abandoned because of my mental fragility.
As we near the month of October, I want to celebrate my victories, my struggles and my challenges. These struggles and challenges have given me so much strength and resilience.
I realize the importance of talking about my struggles. I’ve learned to be vulnerable and honest to myself but also to others. Letting others see my vulnerability and my struggles have help me become a better individual. I’ve had to depend on friends and families in times of need. I’ve had to be vulnerable and ask for help and support. Those were very difficult times because I am such an independent woman. It’s always so hard for me to ask for help.
The friends that are in my life have not only seen me at my best but have also seen me at my worst: when I was knocked down. The blessing of having true friendships is the sweetest feeling.
During the month of October, I pledge to share more openly about my mental fragility with others around me, whether friends, acquaintances or strangers. For the month of mental health awareness, I want to learn more about others’ struggles and journeys. Let’s celebrate who we are, where we have come from and where we are going.
What will you do?
