Worth Living Ambassador Michele King
Hi! My name is Michele and I am 28 years old. Living with both depression and anxiety, I want to be a positive force of change to help end the stigma associated with mental illness, with hopes that what I share will help at least one person who comes across it.
Your Voice Matters.
The more I am getting involved in the Mental Health Community the more I am realizing how important it is to keep sharing your experiences with Mental Illnesses.
It can be pretty terrifying to be so open, especially when you are talking about something that is greatly misunderstood and overly stigmatized. Something that people may just glaze over. It takes courage and an “I don’t give a ___” attitude.
I personally want to share my experiences because something releases in me when I do. I come out of it feeling lighter. Of course, a lot of times that is right after I am a little shaky and want to vomit because I was just being so vulnerable to whomever chooses to read what I am writing. (Yikes.)
I also choose to share because I spent a large portion of my life being quiet, not speaking up. This made me feel alone and powerless which in turn would drop me back into the depression loop which can be dangerous.
While I have never tried to harm myself physically or kill myself, we all know too well what can happen when someone is riding the depression loop and loses the battle.
We need to share our stories to educate those who may be ignorant to the reality of mental illnesses and the importance of Mental Health. Realistically, just about everyone will have to deal with their mental health at one point or another in their life and some people just have to do it Every. Damn. Day.
We need to speak for these people.
For the people who need to know they are not alone and that their feelings are valid.
For the people who are afraid to ask for help because they don’t want to be judged or ridiculed.
For the people who want to believe that things can get better but aren’t totally convinced.
The thing about mental illnesses is that HELLO! It takes place in your brain- a powerful organ that in some cases can leave you fighting to believe in the good and to believe in yourself.
I have been extremely lucky to have a group of supportive people surrounding me as I share my experiences. I know that isn’t always the case– but that is why it is VITAL that we all keep sharing our stories.
So, to those of you who are feeling like your aren’t making a difference or things will never get better. What you have to say matters.
YOUR voice matters.