Let's Talk About It!
In this society we have no problem talking about the many illness that plague us. It has become socially acceptable to talk about our illnesses, and some go as far as becoming advocates to help bring awareness to their illness in hopes of helping others that suffer from the disease. However, when it comes to mental illness there is a stigma and shame that comes with it. Why is this? The truth is that millions of people are living with a mental illness both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Your coworker, your neighbor, the person you sleep next to, your child or a family member maybe living with a mental illness. Mental illness has no particular face. That smile you see on the face of your loved one maybe masking the pain inside. The deeper issues is: why does society as a whole view mental illness as a weakness? We don't view other illnesses as a weakness, but somehow mental illness is viewed as weakness in the eyes of society. There is no wonder why so many people struggle with mental illness in silence. People are afraid to speak up and ask for help out of fear of being judged and labeled. In some cases individuals end up taking their own lives, by then it's a little too late.
I know all too well the struggles that comes with speaking up about my own mental illness. I come from the Caribbean community and the African American community. With the Caribbean and the African American community I experienced indifference and intolerance when I began to speak up about my depression. Breaking my silence was a difficult step in it's self, facing the Caribbean and African American community was an even harder step. Within these communities there is a refusal to accept the existence of mental illness; there is a dismissive attitude towards mental illness in these communities.
I Didn't Ask For This!
My chronic depression was brought on after years of struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to child sexual abuse and mental abuse. Depression was not something that I caused to myself. My traumatic childhood was a direct factor that contributed to my depression. Why should I feel shameful for something that I did not cause?
The only shame is the labels that society uses to condemn individuals that are living with a mental illness. There is no shame in breaking your silence and asking for help. We all have a voice, I am determined to use my voice to help others. I am a survivor and I am not ashamed. Let's talk about it!
I Am Free!!!
I know that God's plan for my life is to see me thrive in every area of my life. I believe that God does not want me to live in darkness and pain. I plan to live in the freedom and liberty that God wants for me. I will no longer dwell in the darkness of depression. God has made me free, I am not worry about any stigma. Who the LORD has made free is free indeed. I am free! My prayer is that you too find freedom in your truth and healing on the path that God has paved for you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
Cassie
 |
| My book: Victory Cometh for You, available on Amazon and Kindle |
No comments:
Post a Comment