
We are not the villains in the movies
Watching a friend spiral reminded me how stigma keeps many from seeking help.
If you are in distress, you can call or text 988 at any time. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

Watching a friend spiral reminded me how stigma keeps many from seeking help.

I know firsthand that it can be tough to recognize when you need help. Years ago, when I was going through a major life crisis, it took me too long to ask for help. Later, I could see that I should have reached out to someone sooner. Why is it so hard to ask for help with our mental health? Would it surprise you to know that 60% of people with a mental health problem don’t seek help?

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Many face a lack of understanding from family and friends. “You don’t look sick” is something they are getting used to hearing. Or people tell them, “I feel tired at the end of the day, too.” For Sarah, it’s a lot worse than feeling tired – more like being hit by a freight train – but it’s too exhausting to keep educating people about her condition. It’s disheartening to have to keep fighting to be seen, believed, and understood. Like many others living with chronic illness, Sarah ends up feeling like she has to stay silent to make people feel comfortable.
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Sharing your story — about achievements, traumas, truths, and wheel busters — can reinforce feelings of resilience or remorse. Finding the balance between advocating for change and protecting your mental wellness.

Choose a topic: Before you start writing, choose a topic that interests you. Research popular topics and see what other bloggers write about. Hint: health, wellness and mental health are popular topics.

Terrified to be seen, I slipped into my first peer-support meeting—and found coffee, clutter, and acceptance.
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