This isn’t just an expression anymore, it is no longer a joke. Mental illness is something affecting every single person on many different scales, in my short journey in this life; including me. 

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I have been struggling with mental illness from a young age. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, adhd, ocd, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, psychogenic seizures, and a learning disability. I also am I recovering addict. I would like to spread my story to those in need to show them that the darkness does fade as long as you have the strength to flip the light. The goal is to inspire everyone but if that is not possible I aim to touch at least one person.

The idea of having a Bipolar Disorder stung me for a long time. When I’m feeling down, sometimes I feel the pressures of the stigma revolving around my mental illness. I always felt like there was a “normal” Valerie or a status quo that I had to

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I have been affected by mental illness since the age of 15. You see, that is when I was first diagnosed with Severe Clinical Depression. I am now going on 43. Through the years I have been diagnosed with anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder. It has been a long road. It hasn’t been easy. There are days that I want to give up. But my message for you is this:

YOU CAN DO IT!

YOU can live a life with a mental illness. YOU CAN have a family. YOU CAN have friends. YOU CAN have children if you choose. YOU CAN have a successful career. YOU CAN have a successful LIFE!

It won’t come easy. Even people who don’t have a mental illness have it rough at times. But it is possible. It might take a little more work, but if you are determined, you can make things happen!

Bipolar disorder has made my life interesting for sure. And I am not ashamed that I am still trying to find my way in the world. But I am doing it. I am living life, one day at a time. I am dealing with my moods and managing my illness with medication. Not many people understand, but if you talk about it [your illness], and explain it in a way people will understand, we can break the stigma that surrounds Mental Illness.  

My Story (super short version!):

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in my early teens. Spent the rest of my life up until four years ago being ashamed of who I was.

But I am not my illness, my illness is not me. I don’t need nor do I want sympathy. What I need and want is help to stop the stigma of mental illness.

I’m also selfless to a fault, which is very debilitating (to say the least!).. but it is also, ironically enough, part of why I’m still alive and in the place I am today.

With that being said, I don’t ask for help a lot. I’m getting better at that though & making sure I’m asking when I truly need it - like today. I’m asking for your help.

Please help me stop the stigma once and for all. 🙏🏻❤️

 #KNOWBETTER #DOBETTER #BEBETTER #MENTALWELLNESS

8 hours ago, my intelligent, loving son Zac hung himself from the rafters of our farm shed. The reason that accepting treatment for bipolar disorder was so hard as our society would rather claim an STD or addiction before they would ever admit to having a mental illness. Just like many, his symptoms developed during his junior year in college. His family and friends did not know how to react. While he was trying to overcome his delusional and fears his friends were either separating from him or continuing their own lives. 

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There is no shame in having mental illness. I have bipolar disorder and it has not stopped me from pursuing my ambitions and achieving my goals. The stigma can only be overcome if you are honest with yourself about your condition. You don’t need to become an open book but the more open you are; the more people will empathize. There is a difference between empathy and pity; you don’t need anyone’s pity. You are strong because you are still alive and as long as there is breath in you, you will overcome. I have descended to the depths of madness three times in my life. All three times I recovered–these recoveries are a badge of honor and accomplishment. Each time you persevere, you show the world what you are made of. For every time you fall and get back up, you show the world that you are more than your illness. Anything that you achieve, from the small victory of getting out of bed in the morning to the accomplishments of getting your degree, starting a new job, or taking a chance on a new relationship—the fact that you persevered is testament to your iron will. Know that when people turn their backs on you because of fear, it is more a reflection of them than of yourself. Your friends love you. Your family loves you. God loves you. You will persevere and you will show the world that you are made from a tougher grade of material—a material that shines bright. Don’t hide your brightness :)

I’m Shawnene and I was diagnosed at age 13 with a mental illness. I come from home to home in foster care. I guess that’s why I was so angry but it proved only strength and growth in my life. I am in many programs and all related to mental illness. One I am currently enjoy is an organization focused on mental illness and artistic expression in breaking stigma related to mental illness. I have been writing poetry and enjoying mic nights and being involved in helping with the next set of artists in our next show. Also I am in NAMI Peer-to-Peer with amazing adults that come together to support and educate each other with coping and dealing with mental illness and sharing their stories. I am pleased to say recovery is possible. Not anyone is alone as I am currently still recovering and wish to go to college this summer for psychology as my major. I want those to know that it’s ok to have emotions and feel the way they do. It’s human and it’s normal and no one is ever alone. I am currently enrolled in college attending programs and have managed my medications. I am recovering.

Hi my name is Robbi I’m a 43year-old mother of 3 at 32 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Mental illness runs in my family.   My mother and grandfather were not diagnosed So unfortunately due to lack of awareness of the disease resources and lack of proper medications at 8 I lost my mother and witnessed  her suicide . At 10 I  witnessed  the  death of my grandfather to suicide also I’m a twin. Despite my extreme trauma and my losses I continue to fight for those like me who need support resources hope love kindness caring respect…most of all stop the stigma. I do not drink nor do drugs. I have no criminal  record. I have an Associate degree as an Licenced Optician. I want to do what ever I can to help who ever I can. God has seen me thru and I feel like this organization will help me achieve those goals as well as I feel thats my purpose. It brings me great joy to give others hope. I want to become a motivational speaker like Les Brown.  With Gods help I will❤

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), “Everyone knows a little about mental health issues but knowing the facts about mental illness can help you educate others and reject stigmatizing stereotypes. They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Understanding mental health isn’t only about being able to identify symptoms and having a name for these conditions but dispelling many false ideas about mental health conditions as well.”

Although 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition, my ex-husband treats me like I’m a psychopath all because I was diagnosed with a very manageable disorder.  We have a son between us and after being evaluated by a psychologist that he chose, specific recommendations were made that made me feel like a criminal.  The recommendations laid out included that I provide random drug and alcohol hair tests to my ex-husband, have a breathalyzer installed in my car, and attend AA for one year. 

Let me first state that I’ve never received a DWI or drank alcohol while my son or daughter were in the car with me.  The psychologist during several of our interviews had asked me about drinking alcohol and I explained that I did consider myself a heavy drinker during my divorce and for a short time after.  I NEVER admitted to being an alcoholic,  I was very upfront and honest with the psychologist on all his questions so I had no reason to lie about this. 

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