I Suffer From Depression

 

You have got to see this video. 

I was amazed at the strength and determination

 that this young man has.

 

He found his voice at 19 and it took me until last year (when I was 41) to be able to say those four little words,

"I suffer from depression."

This video gives me hope!
A hope that one day people will no longer have to hide their depression or other mental illness from the world.
A hope that we will all be treated equal in
regards to medical treatment without the fear
of what others might think.
A hope that if we talk about mental health enough that the stigma of mental illness will disappear.

 

 

 Tell me what you think of this video?!?

I am truly inspired by this young man, hope you are too!

Thanks Kevin Breel for sharing your story!

Much love to you!

 

 



http://www.upworthy.com/this-kid-thinks-we-could-save-so-many-lives-if-only-it-was-okay-to-say-4-words

 

I Support Mental Illness, How About You?

I have a goal to pre-sell 75 Mental Illness Awareness t-shirts on Teespring in 19 days. A large portion of the profit from My Mental Health and Mental Illness Awareness Campaign will go to Mental Health in my city, West Terre Haute, IN especially for medicines that people can't pay for.

Head over here http://www.teespring.com/iamnotashamed and pre-order and check out the t-shirt I designed (logo above), you will not be charged unless I reach my goal. Please support me in my fight to end the stigma of Mental Illness.

Thank you in advance. ♥

Want info about Teespring and/or starting your own campaign? Just go here and see what they are all about.

Did You Know That Men and Boys Suffer From Mental Illness Too!

Men need to know that: it is okay not to be okay. It is acceptable for men to have mental issues and strong, emotional feelings. Men are only human and I feel bad that they think that they are weak. It is okay to cry. It is okay to seek help. 

Men deserve a better life too. 

Men Please Get Help! You are worth it. 

Mental Health Awareness

As May is soon coming to a close, I hope that everyone takes a little understanding, give some support, help stop the stigma, and became more aware of mental health and all the issues mental illness brings with it with you out into the world.  Just because you may not see it, mental illness is real, not something we sufferers make up.  Thanks to all who support me and my blog!  I really appreciate your kindness and continued support.

In Support of Mental Health Awareness Month

Check out my girl Liz at

https://www.facebook.com/DepressiveChick101

Depression, Mental Health, Mental Illness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 

I pledged to blog for Mental Health.  I thought I would share with you some pictures, quotes and sayings that pertain to Mental Illness and Depression.  Please visit my personal facebook page picture album, Depression and Mental Health Awareness.   

Also check out my pinterest Board, Hello Darkness My Old  Friend, This is what I call my depression, it is like an old friend.

Remember you are not alone.  I hope you enjoy them! Don't get too sad :)

Support Mental Health

May is Mental Health
   Awareness Month

Teen Suicide Info for Parents

What is Depression?

        

Not only do I suffer from depression, so does my daughter.  We just take it day by day, sometimes it is all we can do to get up in the morning. The sadness is overwhelming at times that the tears don't want to stop.  We just want the pain to end. The medication doesn't help 100% so it seems that we are always stuck with that little piece of sadness that won't go away. What kind of life is this? Now is the time, I will no longer hide my depression.  It will no longer control me. 
I will fight to stay alive. I will have hope for another day. 

Please join me in the fight for acceptance of Mental Illness.  Mental Illness is just that, an illness. If we all just do a little bit, understand a little bit, comfort a  little bit, and speak out a little bit then maybe we could make a difference.  People need to know that it is okay to ask for help.  It is okay to ask for the treatment they need. They shouldn't feel stupid or scared about what other people might think of them.  It is not their fault that they feel bad, feel anxiety, want to die, or cannot get out of bed. 

The stigma associated with Mental Illnesses must stop.  We do not need to feel discriminated upon anymore. We are all real people, with real lives wanting to 
live a better life.

Here are some things you could do to raise awareness:
--Visit The Healthy Place and Join the Campaign to 

Stand Up for Mental Health

--Take the Bring Change 2 Mind Pledge
--Get the Facts on Mental Health at the National Alliance on Mental Health
--Go to the National Institute on Mental Health. They hope that one day we 

will live in a world where mental illnesses are prevented and cured.

Thanks for listening to me rant about a good cause.  It gives me great comfort to be able to talk about mental illness and to advocate for its acceptance.  It is something I live with every day. It is all too familiar.  I won't let my depression define me but I will not apologize for who I am either.  

Mental Illness Affects Everyone

Support Arthritis Awareness

May is Arthritis Awareness Month 

Arthritis is a serious, painful and debilitating disease that is often misunderstood.
It's the leading cause of disability.  It affects adults and children.  
Arthritis destroys joints, bones, and other connective tissues.
You know why I know, I am one of the faces of arthritis.  

I was diagnosed a few years ago.  
I have osteoarthritis in both my knees and in my hips.  
I experience stiffness, swelling, and pain daily.  
I am no longer able to stand or walk for long periods of time.  
It has affected my ability to be more active.  But with pain management I am still able to live a better life.

I have made the pledge to live better with arthritis and raise awareness, starting today.  
Take the Pledge Now!

Get more facts now!
10 Things You Should Know About Arthritis.

Visit my picture and the other Faces of Arthritis at the User Gallery.

**Thanks to the Arthritis Foundation Website for such great facts, resources, advocacy programs, and especially for their commitment to raising awareness.