If Not Me, Then Who?
There are many stigmas that are prevalent in our society; many involve mental health issues. No one wants to acknowledge, let alone talk about, weaknesses and challenges. So often we worry about what others will think of us that we put our own mental stability at risk. I have been there…
Five years ago my son attempted suicide. While he survived, it took it’s toll. I consider myself a fairly emotionally strong woman. That does not mean I don’t cry. I cry and move on. But I try to not let others see my weaknesses. My son’s attempted suicide broke me.
My husband I both went about our days, work, community obligations, family parties, and so on, always with a smile on our face. We told very few people about what our son and our family were dealing with. When we were home alone, we felt sorrow, anger, frustration, isolation, and of course joy that he was still alive.
About a year after that life changing day, I realized I was operating under my usual caretaker roll and helping everyone in my family move forward-except me! So I started journaling about the experience, my feelings, my hope for the future. After a short period of time, I realized I could turn my journal into a book with the hope of helping others through my family’s experience, added with my professional knowledge as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Then reality knocked me back a bit and I realized that if I wrote a book and people read it, they would know about my family’s silent struggles. I would be exposed. My son, my husband, my other children would have a private crisis open for all to see and judge. But wait a minute, did I really care what others thought? Were others’ opinions more important than helping another family who might be going through a similar experience? If I, as a public official in our town and as a therapist, did not stand up to fight the stigma of suicide, they who would?
Stigma is what is holding so many people back for getting the help they need, from talking publicly about the “taboo” mental health issues, and as a result people are suffering needlessly. So now I try to show by example that it is okay to be brave and have a voice, especially for those who have been silent.
Writing the book helped me heal and I hope it offers guidance for others struggling. I also hope it knocks down some stigma to suicide and other mental health issues. There are real, live people behind these stigmas and will shout proud and loud that we need to see the person, not the disease!
Will you join me, as you journey along your path of life, in breaking down the walls of mental health stigmas?
For more information on my book titled “My Journey to Hell, A Story of Love, Loss and Hope”, please go to amazon.com.