#stompthestigma

[mythreefold]

I Don’t Want to Die

The tires squealed as I jerked the wheel. The slick pavement of the interstate fought against my instinct. Left…no right. Metal crushed loudly and for a moment, time stood still on that dark, rainy highway. “I don’t want to die.” In the rear view mirror I saw death and it was a spotlight on the fact that I didn’t want to die. Not today. I’m not ready yet. Nevertheless, I’ve heard that voice…

[joemekia]

End the stigma surrounding mental health issues and invisible illnesses. #talkaboutit #ItsReal #StomptheStigma (at Sarasota, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B39kd7GHU2j/?igshid=gnlq0acg57i1

[made-of-complexity]

IT IS NOT JUST A SUICIDE

It is not a solution. Your problems are only temporary. You can get over it. Everything will be fine. You’re strong. Come on, it is just a phase. Why cry over simple things? You’re so sensitive. You are just being over dramatic. You’re problem is just so simple compare to the problem of other people.   Suicide is not a solution. Don’t waste your life. It is a sin.   Before, I also think like that. I only look on the surface. I’m being too idealistic about life and problems. I thought those people who committed suicide is just wasting an opportunity and being drown by life’s problem. That they are too weak to face their problems. Suicide is a mistake. Those people having suicidal ideations, I thought they just want to end things easily because their problems are too heavy. That they are not trying their best to find solution. They are just being pessimistic and letting themselves to be control by their own emotions.   But, later on I realized that it doesn’t simply work like that. Because it is really difficult to handle. It is not just a simple phase that will just pass later on. It is a continuous battle that you must survive always or else you will going to lose.   Actually, those people really did try all of their best just to win that battle. They might even ask for some reinforcement but maybe, just maybe it turn out that those people they asked for help triggered them more or worst hurt them even more and maybe, not only once but repeatedly. No one just notice. No one cares enough. Their understanding maybe just too superficial. So, those scarred beautiful people was leave with no choice. But to choose what is worst. Because it was the only option left for them .  They are not weak.   Honestly, they are strong because they can able to endure that burden. They faced their own battle alone. Cried alone when no one is watching. All just they want is stop the pain. To get rid off the monster. They want to be free. But, everything seems too much. They grow tired of all that seemingly unending fights that they needed to win continuously. They are strong enough to face it and even try harder but maybe their fear of light became much greater that is why they decided to embrace the darkness.   It doesn’t mean they are bad.   They are good more than you can imagine. Everyone is good. It just happen that what they did or what they are thinking is not socially acceptable. You know when things are different society have tendency to criticize and judge it without understanding the real reason. I guess, they are being too shallow. When it is unique doesn’t mean it is not good at all, does it? I know they are good it just happen that they are invade by negative energy. They fight but it is too strong and things are just too bad but they not bad. They are good. They are humans who needed intensive help.   Suicide is not a solution. It is is just a temporary solution to a temporary problem.   It will never ever be a solution but to some it is the only way. This is the only escape they can use from all of their life adversity. I know they did their best to continue with their life’s path but they ended up in the dead end. They left with no choice.   Can we blame them?   Maybe yes but maybe not. We can’t fully blame them because we can’t fully understand what they been going and we do not exert too much effort in order to save them. I’m not here to justify their actions. What I’m trying to say is that, I hope we became more extra sensitive to the problems of other people. To be more kinder and softer. This world needs more kindness. More love. More light. You have too much light I guess it will never be your loss if you give some light to others. Because, somehow that small flicker of light can gives them so much hope too continue in life even in a slow manner. Maybe that light can save their lives. Might stop them moving in the edge. Or maybe you even push that person to their end. We killed that person. When all they really want is not to die but to continue living despite of their desire of death. It just so sad that death became their comfort. Life is really ironic not sometimes but always.   People cried over small wounds doesn’t mean they are weak.   All of us have different way of coping mechanism especially in terms of pain. We do not have the right to belittle or discriminate the pain of other people. So, it doesn’t mean they choose suicide doesn’t mean that is what they really want. Doesn’t mean they are inferior. Do you also ever think how difficult that decision they made? Do you think they don’t have any regrets? Do you think they do it wholeheartedly? Maybe, some of them still have that small hope. Hope that somehow there will be someone who will come running in order to save them. What they did was also very difficult and painful for them. Just a mere thinking of killing themselves really hurts them a lot. Because maybe they are thinking that even his or her self already gave up on understanding and defending themselves. Their own self also stop saving themselves because no one is their to save them. People leave them. No one saves them and now their own self also starts not to save them. Their self is what they have and now, it is also giving up. That is a hard decision for them. So, I guess we must stop acting as if we know everything. Because, their reason for suicide is not just that reason. It is beyond that reason. Small reason that turns into big reason. Reason that is enough to made that decision. Maybe it is not enough for you but for them it is enough. We can’t really determine and measure what is enough. We all have different perspectives.   Suicide is a serious topic. But, it is not just the word itself because it contains many reason. Those scarred beautiful people don’t do it just for fun. It is about life. Yes, they also have their many reasons to choose life but I guess that one specific reason is too strong enough that causes that person to fear life. But, I hope you also have that particular reason that no matter how difficult your life will be, you will still repeatedly choose life. But, I do understand what they feel. They are not just what you are thinking. I guess, it is better to add more faith in our life and to deepen our understanding for those people. They are not attention-seeker. They want to be save. Please don’t be selfish to give them the saving grace they are need.   We can’t get them back to life but we can live for them and to save those people who are already at the edge. Let us extend our hand to them. Let us hold them tighter so that when they let go atleast we are still holding them. Maybe they also want to know if there will be someone who can hold when all they want is to let go. In reality, all they want is to live. They badly needed to live. So let us help them. Am I being too idealistic? I guess, it is better to be idealistic about saving life.   Understanding it is difficult. I know. But, when you also experience it, you will understand the pain. Well, I’m not hoping that you will come at that point. What I mean is that, please be more considerate, sensitive, respecting and understanding to other people. We have no idea what that person is going through. It doesn’t mean someone is smiling doesn’t mean he or she is perfectly fine. People are good in hiding. It is not always about  what you see. It is about what is beyond.   So are you ready enough to discover what lies beyond?

[bipolarchristianwidow]

I didn't know this would be my life's work and my calling... And I truly didn't know how it would be but I'm thankful I'm doing it! #StompTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness #BipolarChristianWidow https://www.instagram.com/p/BxDD2x6Fdx4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12261im75ii92

[claritycounselingcenter]

What if we talked about physical health 😷 the way we talk about mental health? 🙇🏼‍♀️#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #stompthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior

[elirowe]

After I was first diagnosed with #anxiety and #depression , I just tracked my #moods. Now, putting pen to paper has become one of the things in my life that makes me feel like I am being my truest self 🙂 #journaling is a permanent part of my #mentalhealthregimen 📖 🖊 🧠 💚; #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthtip #writing #stompthestigma #solidarity #tattoo

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A post shared by Lizzy Rowe (@lizzyrowe323) on Oct 11, 2020 at 2:44pm PDT

[ltiopodcast]

#StompTheStigma Episode 7: Kenyatta Scott

[mythreefold]

Real Talk: On Period 🔴

Real talk. On. Period. I’m broaching a taboo subject. It’s something we don’t seem to ever talk about. The dreaded “time of the month.” Even if I talk about the period, PMS or PMDD, most will still get theirs. If not, congratulations, you’ve graduated from this part of life, gave those reproductive organs their final farewell, or you might be expecting! One way or another if you were born with a…

[bipolarchristianwidow]

I vowed once I gained 100 followers on my #Facebook page #BipolarChristianWidow I would start posting #podcast or #audio "#DiaryOfABipolarChristianWidow" content documenting my journey thru Eric's illness, my diagnosis, his subsequent death and living with all of that since... This part of the journey is more than 6 years in the making. Most of it has been brutal, messy and even downright ugly at times but humbling. I'm not going to lie, it has been rough. I run into #criticism, #confusion, and doubt from friends, family and strangers. It causes a lot of self-doubt... But God reminds me "Not everyone will understand or appreciate what I'm trying to do, but not everyone matters" If I change the life of just one person who suffers from or deals with what I'm going through then this has all been worth it. #YouareNotAlone God always gives me one of #HisDailyMiracle moments to remind me that I am on the right path, to trust Him and stay the course. I'm sorry but... I didn't lose my husband and gain this terrible diagnosis to keep quiet, my story and journey are meant to be shared. Gods timing is perfect and I know now why I needed to wait. #IHadMuchToLearn I hope to post audio and eventually video content while I continue to write my book(s) and get my coaching certificate which will leverage my ability and credential to do public speaking, 1:1 and small group grief and/or #mentalillness support #coaching for people who suffer and the family who love them. I know that #bipolar makes me #overwhelming so I won't be posting those on my personal page but if you are interested in the audio content please find me on Facebook #BipolarChristianWidow. I have a support group page you can find and join there as well. #StompTheStigma #DepressionKills https://www.instagram.com/p/BvE_lqLAKgg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dd4jp6tyd996

[ltiopodcast]

#StompTheStigma Episode 6: Joa Macnalie

[dontbetardyforthepartyx]

Awesome design to support something so important @annelisemalg @jmorr16 be kind because everyone has a struggle or a story you probably don't know about #stompthestigma #mentalhealthawareneawarenessmonth

[mental-health-mondays]

RIP Robin Williams

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Robin Williams, someone so special and genuinely loved by so many. The untimely death of someone seemingly so happy and was constantly making others smile came as a shock to all of us.  But with this fresh in our memories, I think it is time for some deep self-reflection as a society on whole. What saddens me deeper than Robin William's passing, are the utterly disgusting comments from a lot of people around the world. Countless blogs and comments have plastered the internet harassing Zelda and her family, creating a hostile environment for those currently suffering from mental illnesses of any sort. I am so tired of hearing the words "suck it up" "suicide is selfish" "its the result of a choice, not an illness" "depression is the common cold of the mental-health-world" etc. I am by no means romanticizing anything here, (as I have also seen much of and am infuriated by) I am simply addressing a serious issue.  Let's get something straight: depression is a severe illness. It takes lives just as cancer or heart disease. But when have we ever sat around and called a cancer sufferer selfish? When have we told a diabetic to just "tough up and get over it?" When did the medical community determine a heart attack was a choice? Nobody has, because it isn't the truth. These common illnesses require treatment, specialized care and a LOT of support from our social circles. The same goes for depression and any other mental illness out there. Yet so many continue to sit around stigmatizing and oppressing the people who need loving care the most.  I'd like to share some stats real quick: depression is caused (like many other illnesses) by a combination of environmental and genetic influences. There is a chemical imbalance within the brain of a few "emotion" neurotransmitters such as serotonin, (mood balancer attributed to sleep, sexual function, digestion, memory and social behaviour) norepinephrine, (a stress hormone that underlies the "fight or flight" response) and dopamine (attributed to learning, sleep, mood, pleasure, memory, attention, behaviour and cognition). When the brain lacks the normal level of these hormones, we begin to see the common symptoms of depression. Please stop telling depressed religious people that this is a spiritual battle and you just have to "be more spiritual". It honestly does not help anything at all. 20% of Canadians will personally deal with a mental illness in their lives. That is 1 in 5 of you. For a lot of us, that is at least one person in our own homes. Out of those with depression, 1/3 will get better without the need of treatment, 1/3 will get better with treatment and the last 1/3 will never be able to recover.  Similar to an illness like cancer or diabetes, depression has some serious physical and mental affects: 

Feelings of hopelessness. 

Loss of interest in daily activities. Things that you enjoy, pastimes, social activities, or sex no longer appeal to you.

Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes. An inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, waking up at strange times in the early morning, or excessive sleeping.

Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, even violent. Anyone and everyone is getting on your nerves.

Loss of energy. Feeling totally drained physically and mentally. Your whole body may feel heavy, the simplest tasks such as getting out of bed in the morning, showering, eating are now the hardest to complete.

Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness and harsh self-criticism.

Reckless behaviour. You may engage in escapist behaviour such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

Concentration/memory problems or indecisiveness. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Typically to be diagnosed officially, these symptoms will continue on for multiple weeks at a time. And that's just for the less severe cases. You cannot tell me that these are made up. You cannot tell me that people who suffer depression choose to endure this. You cannot tell me that wanting to end these symptoms is "selfish" and that "your will is still present".  Suicide commonly accompanies depression. In fact, about 60% of people who commit suicide suffer from depression according to Stats Canada. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Canadian adolescents and adults today, with the rates being the highest within the 40-60 age group. This doesn't tell me we have a lot of selfish people out there, but rather, there is a problem with how our society treats the precious human beings that are suffering and in pain. If you cannot find help for the aforementioned symptoms, why would you want to suffer alone?   We need to be reaching out to support each other. We need to end the stigma that surrounds mental illness. We need to stop verbally abusing the mourning family of the late Robin Williams and others who are in the same boat. Each and every person you meet is precious in the sight of God and are fighting a battle you will never understand. If you cannot find your heart to support others who are struggling with mental illness, and are at the end of their rope, please just don't say anything at all. Your words can hurt far more than you imagine. And to those of you who are hurting, don't fight your battles alone. Depression is not a sign of weakness, sharing the burden is the mark of courage and strength not many people have.  http://www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca/

[mythreefold]

What I Wish I Knew About Mental Illness

What I Wish I Knew About Mental Illness

Mommin’ Mental Illness comes with its own set of challenges. The ups and downs, the good and the bad, are all taken to the extreme. There are so many misconceptions about mental illness. I bought into the stigma surrounding mental illness even while suffering from my own. However, there are many things I wish I would’ve understood about mental illness before I had to fight against my threefold’s…

[bipolarchristianwidow]

#WhenYouHaveDepression the whole world can seem #dark... Despite all of the light. So you cling to the bright spot, cultivate it and #pray for it to grow. You try so hard but circumstances outside of your control will knock you off your feet. It can take days, weeks, months or even a year to #FindYourHappy again. I don't like feeling broken or having to hide my broken inside of forced smiles and empty laughter. I do that because it's easier to force a smile than explain why the sun is shining but I'm sitting in the dark. My dark is void of ALL light... But when someone takes a minute out of their day to text a quick "hello" it can make all the difference. I might not respond right away, I might not accept your invite out but the gesture is priceless! It means so much more than you know because it is a glimmer of light in a dark abyss that no one can see but me. #StompTheStigma #BipolarChristianWidow https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzMZxllFsQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ecotex4hnji

[bipolarchristianwidow]

I had a guy once tell me he couldn’t date me because I was a #widow. I can’t say that I was shocked…or even that I blamed him. I can’t imagine trying to live up to the expectations that he assumed I had in my head. For five years now I’ve actively battled this stigma.

Not going to lie to, it did hurt my feelings. When I pressed a little further because that answer seemed shallow, he then went on to say that I was ‘twisted’ and “he probably killed himself to get away from me!” #Cruel and unnecessary conjecture in my opinion.

First of all, my husband battled a life long chronic illness and lost that battle, he didn’t kill himself… We know what happens when you assume things, right? But… Even if he did commit suicide… That is a personal #battle that wages within someone, NOT the cause of another. #Idiot

But second- people wonder how and why #grief changes us and why we just can’t “get over it”

There is a #stigma attached to grief and #widowhood… Much like the stigma attached to #mentalillness. People allow #hate and #ignorance to perpetuate this misinformation which leaves us feeling lonely and vulnerable. We have learned to arm ourselves with whatever weapon works best for us. Some use dark humor, some use #sarcasm and some learn to build a wall. (Not the #Trump wall) but we die a little bit inside… when we are treated this way.

I’m single, not by choice but circumstance. I remain single because I get tired of fighting the stigma attached to the label I’ve been branded… And now wear proudly. I am the #BipolarChristianWidow but I do it on my terms… So I can help stand up and #StompTheStigma https://www.instagram.com/p/Bug8eQaFLur/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mhvzpdxe4tg4

[bipolarchristianwidow]

Contrary to popular belief #narcissism is a form of #mentalillness. It showcases and speaks to the self-centered nature and type of #abuse both perpetrated on and exhibited by an #abuser. I had an opportunity to be involved in a #codependent #romantic #relationship with such a person. He practiced this technique on me which caused a great deal of self-doubt for almost two years. I say #blessed because it gave me the opportunity to witness this type of abuse so I could recognize it first hand. I recently encountered another example of this behavior while dealing with an individual on a platonic level who was in a position of power. Fortunately, I was able to recognize it and respond appropriately. Navigating an #unstable and #abusive relationship dynamic taught me the appropriate response is to simply avoid this type of interaction. This can be difficult because often this person will persist until they acquire the self-validation they are looking for. This can quickly escalate to extremely hurtful emotional, verbal or even physical abuse. In cases of #domesticviolence or #sextrafficking, $gaslighting is used as a form of #control for #submission. This provides the abuser one more tool in an arsenal of weapons used against an emotionally #vulnerable individual. If you have ever questioned why a woman would stay with her abuser, she is held emotionally captive by this type of #deliberate warfare. Just know this devastating form of abuse can contribute to the overall deep seeded feeling of #loyalty that seems so confusing to an outside spectator.#StompTheStigma #BipolarChristianWidow https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHc7-Ildi7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xiiirgihof6r