#destroythestigma

Psychosis is a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality. For three months I was in a “Psychosis”. It was the scariest moment of my life and it will follow me throughout my entire life. But, I got through it, and I want you to hear my story because you can get through anything if you just put your mind to it. 

There is a serious mental health crisis taking place in this country. Too many people never realize that it's okay to ask for help. We need to #DestroyTheStigma and get comfortable engaging in a dialogue about our mental health! I've heard so many people say they were afraid to seek treatment because of the negative bias against it. Getting help can SAVE YOUR LIFE, or at least, dramatically turn it around. I don't know where I would be without it. (at Rowan University)

I try to write publicly about my personal struggle with mental illness on a semi-regular basis. Not for the sympathy, but to continue to help people remove the stigmas surrounding it. This might be a bit long, so sorry if reading isn't your thing. // Unless you personally struggle with your brain chemistry being all wonky, you don't understand that constant little voice in the back of your mind telling you that you're a burden to everyone that knows you. You can't grasp the concept that helping yourself is just as important as helping the people around you. If you've lived with mental illness for a long time, you start being unable to decipher between the real you and the mask you create in an attempt to make others more comfortable when they're with you. // There have been so many people in my life that I've removed because they've acted as if I intentionally use my mental illness to make their life more difficult. When I get bad, I try to remove myself from all social situations in an attempt to keep the dark clouds from affecting anyone else. If I do have to venture out, the mask I slap on my face is one of contentment and happiness to avoid questions of how I'm doing...I'm always "fine". I've done both for so long that it's become second nature. // I write all of this to say this: if you have friends or family that struggle with any kind of mental illness, be thoughtful in how you talk to them about it. Don't treat them like they're precious china you're fearful of breaking. Don't blame them for their isolation tendencies. Don't tell them they can heal if they just try harder. Don't try to fix them. Remind them of your love. Acknowledge that they are trying the best they know how. Ask them what support looks like to them. Be patient and really listen to what they have to say. It might take longer than you'd like and it might not seem to make much progress, but it helps. It helps so much. #mentalhealth #mentalillness #destroythestigma

Instagram: @i_will_help_you_initiative

Congrats @seshwear on launching your spring line today!! Go check out my best friend's hard work - lots of love added for Chicago fam at the moment ♡ #chicago #sesh #chi #chigh #chitown #pride #destroythestigma #design #apparel #sweater #sweaterweather #shoplocal #smallbusiness #localbrand #localartist #localbusiness #shopsmall #goodfriday #easter #spring

[email protected]