The Stigma

Sometimes I don't know if being an open book is a blessing or a curse. I used to be very ashamed of my depression. I wouldn't talk about it, I hid my medicine and I smiled a lot. But that wasn't the real me. I don't believe many people out there can truly say they have never had an episode of depression. I realized the more I talked about it, the less alone I felt. But there are some people who aren't open books. Some people tuck their hearts and feelings away. In return, they hold on to a stigma.

I remember going on a date with a boy and I told him about my depression and suicide attempts. He looked at me and said, "Wow, I knew you were too good to be true. I've got a crazy person in my car." And he laughed. He laughed.

We live in a world that rushes to sign someone's cast when they break a bone but can't comprehend a mental breakdown. Mental illness is just as important as physical illness. It controls everything we do. So I encourage you to look over the stigma, recognize it when it comes and tear it down.