Today, I wanted to share a bit about my story for those who are coming to Like a Bird for the first time, and to remind the rest of you why I blog about mental health.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was 13. This past year, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well. (you can read more about my diagnoses here). I have always believed in being honest with yourself and that it is one of the most important parts of the healing journey. I’ve always written honestly about my mental health on my blog but last year I decided to start my own business and really dedicate myself to helping other creative women who also suffer from mental health problems and need some honest support from someone who gets it. (more on my offerings here)
I think it’s so so so important to talk about mental health. There is a severe lack of support in many communities and I hope to fill in that role when I can. I write about my healing journey and about my personal struggles because I think it’s important to share our stories so others know they aren’t alone. I’ve written about being a mama grieving for her old life, I wrote about my current biggest triggers (food and money) and how I’m trying to overcome them, I wrote about how being a mama with a mental illness is the hardest thing, I’ve shared a poem I wrote while in the middle of a panic attack. I share the revelations and thoughts I have when seeing my art therapist. I write about the good stuff and the bad stuff because it’s all important and it’s all part of my journey (and yours too).
There is a lot of history of mental illnesses in my family and I worry, often, about my son inheriting this dibiliting life. But I feel confident that by being a voice in the community, by standing up and being honest, by educating myself and others there will come a time when (hopefully by the time my son is a teen), that people won’t feel shamed or scared or judged for having a mental illness. It will be okay and encouraged more to seek help. I hope that some day, it will be easier to come forward and say, “I’m hurting, I need help.” and that people will come flocking with love and openness, not hate and judgement.
Life is about living not just surviving your mental illness or “rough patch”. I blog about my mental illness so others can know it’s okay to feel this way (even though it sucks). I blog about my personal struggles and my personal triumphs so others can see the journey, see that it is possible to heal and have a good life, but you do have to work at it.
I blog about mental health because I care.
Share: Why do you blog about mental health? How can we, as a community, help spread more love, openness and encouragement so others feel okay about seeking help and speaking out?
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