Deconstructing Stigma: Finding The Good In Life

Editor’s note: Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life is a public awareness campaign developed by McLean Hospital to spark conversation not only about behavioral and mental health but also about the stigma that surrounds it. The campaign features compelling stories from people across the United States who have been affected by mental illness, including Clare’s story below. By Clare C. It has been more than six months since I’ve woken up in a psychiatric hospital, my longest separation from inpatient treatment since 2012. Over the years, the overwhelming pressure I placed on myself to be a good student, a good friend, and a good daughter led me to suicidal thoughts. I’m constantly over-thinking things: Am I weird? Am I okay? Do they like being my friend? I feel like I am one hair trigger away from being rejected, and that’s the worst pain. Making matters worse was the sense that not everyone felt my illness—borderline personality disorder—was legitimate. I got that sense among, most surprisingly, those I sought help from: members of law enforcement, EMTs, and hospital staff who acted as if my illness was a nuisance. I also noticed the topic was an unwelcome one among family members and friends. We have the ice bucket challenge for ALS and breast cancer awareness and the diabetes walk. You can post about those on social media, but if you say you’re mentally ill, people are like, “What’s wrong with you?” Despite my insecurity, I feel ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news