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Tired of Hiding? 3 Simple Tips To End the Secrecy and Reduce the Stigma [Mental Illness]

Suffering in silence is common. Imagine if you didn't have to. Scroll down to learn communication strategies to help #EndTheStigma.

The Question


What will people think if you tell them you or someone you love lives with mental illness?

Will they judge?

Will they tell “everyone”?


Will they support you ... or shun you?

 

When I was initially navigating the impact of childhood trauma, I was petrified to tell anyone what I was experiencing. Stuck in a web of inner hell, I struggled in silence. Long periods of time passed where I barely got out of bed. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t alone, but I was afraid to talk about it.


Eventually (with the help of an excellent therapist) I started moving forward. Bit by bit, day by day, I started to become more functional.


Then one day I stopped caring what other people might think.


At that precise moment, a new world of healing presented itself to me.


It didn’t happen overnight.


But it happened.


 

The Problem


You suffer in silence.

First, remind yourself you're not alone. One in five of the people you know, are working through a mental illness.


Then...


Consider the Benefits


1) Maybe they have “been there done that” and totally get it. (For me, amazing things came out of this particular surprise benefit.)

  • You can sit in silence with them.

  • You can cry together.

  • They understand-so no explanations are needed.

  • It is possible that they have solid advice to tackle a difficult situation.

  • They may have resources to share...or know someone who does.

2) They are suffering in silence too,

OR they know someone who is in pain.

  • Your willingness to talk may spark a conversation that helps someone.

  • You provide them with much need education and they become more prepared to navigate mental illness in the future.


 

The Solution


Take control of your language and how you tell people what you are experiencing.

The words we use to describe our thoughts have a powerful impact on how people interpret our feelings. Our words define their perception of what we are experiencing.


Test the water with your big toe. No canon balls!