My Truth: Take Me As I Am

     I think its about time im honest. I think im ready because im tired of hiding. Tired of pretending that i'm "okay". i may seem okay on the outside because i want to be more positive then negative. Inside i'm struggling with major depression; a type of mental illness. yes i said it. mental illness.  i understand if it makes you feel uncomfortable.  i was there too and still kind of am. i struggle everyday with the fact that i have depression. It makes me feel worse because i have been blessed with a wonderful life, amazing family and friends. You may ask, what do you have to be "depressed" about or what makes you "depressed"?  The truth is i really don't know other than it has many causes/factors from biological, genetics, environmental, and social/culture factors. i do know that it's common and can affect ANYONE. The mental health stigma makes it really hard for people to be open about it. Let alone get the help they need. Ive been there and that's  a shame. Its been a battle everyday since i was first diagnosed in 2002. Hard to believe it's  been 9 years...

      During  that time, i hated my depression for the most part. I tried to push it away like it didn't exist and that didn't work. In this last year and half, i have just looked at it different and i think i finally officially accepted it. Why? Like I said, I'm tired of hiding. Its very draining. This is  a part of me so take it or leave it. And I'm at a point in my life where i don't care what others think about it as much. Something that has also helped and means a lot to me is:    Bring Change 2 Mind.   I saw its Public Service Announcement in October 2009 when it was founded and it changed my life. i felt hope, relief, happiness. This is a not for profit organization created by Glenn Close, her sister Jessie Close,   and a few other organizations/foundations (listed on the website) to fight the stigma associated with mental illness.  She wanted to learn more about mental illness because her sister and nephew suffer from it. I think that's such an amazing/inspiring thing. Also, Ron Howard donated his time to direct the Public Service Announcement and John Mayer donated his song, "Say" to be the anthem of the campaign. Says a lot about them to do that. i will never look at "Say" the same way. i get emotional every time i hear it. love that song!  It has opened my eyes to other mental health organizations and advocates. It has been such a blessing...Im just working on alot of things but I feel a lot better then i have in a long time...watch the PSA here...

    
     ...Why is such a stigma attached to mental illnesses? It makes me sad. It can and should be treated like any other health condition.  So I've decided to make a change. Make the first step in telling the world that i have depression. Okay maybe not the whole world because i don't think many people read this blog. Maybe just maybe, if this inspires you, you will pass it on. Please visit the website-- www.bringchange2mind.org. You can believe what you want to But chances are,  you or someone you know/love might be struggling too. Its ok. Please Pass it on.  Change a Mind, Change a Life, Save a life.

http://www.limelightmentalhealth.com/