Photo by Canva
I was talking to a friend today about why I share on my social media pages and talk about the good and the bad—usually when I’m dealing with a lot of anxiety, depression, or a bit overwhelmed with life. Think of it as a social media post journal. I believe writing things down on paper really can help you not only process the pain and all that you might be feeling, but it can help you find perspective on where you are regards to your mental health. I was going to address it on Facebook but decided to share it on our website and make this a teachable moment. It may help others remove shame and stigma so they can talk about mental health.
Let’s Step Up Without Fear
Step Up For Mental Health® was formed as a peer nonprofit to move individuals and families on understanding that anxiety or stress is no different than diabetes or cancer. In fact, the reason why I changed our name, was to showcase less stigma. I was thinking about creating a t-shirt saying. “My [fill in the blank] has a mental health disorder…” and the conversation went on, “My family would freak out if we talked about it out in the open. I was on a mission to stop this fear and “Step Up” to the truth of mental health, no matter what status or position in life a person has.
One in five people suffer from a mental health-related issue in America, and it’s time we deal with this fact! We see posts all the time talking about—I have cancer, f*ck cancer, and what the person is going through. Great! I believe that educating the public on important topics like health (mental health included) is a great way to advocate for the cause. Remember, 50 years ago, people didn’t even talk about cancer. My grandparents died from it, and to this day I have no idea how! No one talked about it! Now it’s everywhere. And that’s because we have educated ourselves on the topic and realize there’s no shame in it!
Our #TalkShareListen Campaign
Because of the struggles with mental health, the #TalkShareListen campaign gives a voice to the voiceless. Many people do not have someone to talk to or they feel they are alone. The reason why I share my happy and sad times is for this fact. I walk the talk on not having stigma regarding mental health. For anyone who volunteers or is associated with our nonprofit, I ask that we use our real names to break this heated debate on how much we should share in public!
I know folks have commented about my depression this past week. All is well, I’m just going through a moment. And I believe it’s important that we all are the same—poor people, millionaires, all people, cultures or leaders sharing their thoughts. There is no stigma. And if you feel you need to talk about it—even on social media—that’s the first step to understanding that you might need help, a peer, a therapist or medication. It’s a good thing. We must not feel shame for a chemical in the brain that’s too high or too low which changes mood. It’s a part of life. Sometimes life is too much and we need assistance.
Childhood Trauma and Bullying
When I talk about mental health on public forums and say, I’m dealing with childhood trauma even today, and it hasn’t gotten better, know that it’s real. Keep in mind, I’m coming from a place where my mother had schizophrenia when I was born and she tried to kill me twice. (No fault of her own, she was going through psychosis.) Along with that, I experienced many other issues. That included abuse, sexual assault, starvation, bullying, and deep poverty. Not to mention my own pain and lack of understanding about mental health. We all have different life experiences and what affects you doesn’t affect others.
Sharing my story doesn’t mean I want to die by suicide. (But if you do, please seek help!). It just means that I have a story to tell and I need to talk about it! Just know that it’s important I share my personal stories in my own way. I’m not telling you to do the same. But I am telling you that more people will be free of the stigma if you do. In fact, it might save a life or two. Food for thought. Thanks for listening as I talk about mental health on our website, social media or my own personal pages. It’s good to just listen or even share your own personal stories. Move out of that fear. It matters.
#GivingForward For Kids Kicks Off in November
This month is Bullying Prevention Month, which changed the course of my own personal life because I was bullied during my formative years. Because I’m a peer, I understand where young people are coming from with all life challenges at home during a pandemic or at any time. During our #GivingForward Campaign starting Nov. 1, we are supporting kids (5th grade to high school) via our Step Up For Kids Program and donating journals to help you process any anxiety that we know many young people are facing. I didn’t have support when I was a child. So now more than ever, I want to help young people have a place to grow, succeed, fail and reinvent themselves, even if it’s through writing or drawing. Reach out—there’s always support!
**Helpline: If you need to talk to someone, reach out to our Helpline for peer support. We have one week, four weeks, or eight weeks sessions for one hour. (Phone, Video, Live Chat or SMS)
Step Up For Mental Health Vision Statement
One day, families dealing with mental health issues—whether personally or as a caregiver—will have access to support, services, and educational tools to understand how to move positively and boldly into the future of a happy life—without fear or stigma.
