CureStigma

The support I feel from the shared stories is easing my depression episode! You made a difference to me today! #CureStigma #Hope

BTS is the biggest musical group in the world. Some people (most) hadn’t heard of them. Mainly because the group sings in their native language, Korean, and there weren’t ways for them to get the recognition and awards here in the United States. Almost three years ago, BTS beat Justin Bieber out of a Billboard Music Award for Social Media. That was just after I saw them for the first time, at the Wings concert in Anaheim, day 1. I might have been the oldest fan there, I got some weird looks, but I’m a child at heart and took the opportunity to document the fan culture! I wasn’t allowed to bring my camera not the concert, so I had the opportunity to actually enjoy the concert with a few photos on my iPod. The Wings concert ended with a beautiful song just for the fans, which left most of the crowd in tears. I am not surprised to see BTS explode in popularity, they sold out tickets to their next world tour, Love Yourself, in minutes, including the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. They since performed at both the Billboard and American Music Awards. This year they were presenters at the Grammys. One of the members of BTS, the leader, RM or Kim NamJoon, gave a speech at the United Nations, where his empowering words motivated people to write about overcoming struggles and hardship. A common thread was, many people struggle with depression. Depression has been something I’ve struggled with. Both of my parents, siblings and children have diagnosed Mental Health disorders. I myself discovered that recovery is possible through a peer support group that I participated and interned in. As peers themselves, BTS has been an inspiration for millions of people. They have openly addressed depression in their lyrics and interviews. I was inspired to wear my #CureStigma shirt to the concert in Oakland, after hearing their interview at the Grammy Museum. I was diagnosed with Major Depression only a month before. It has taken until this past week to find the right meds combination that will help me participate in life again. I’ve been trying for years to get a diagnosis for my physical symptoms of pain and extreme fatigue. When things finally lined up at one of psychiatry appointments, I realized I had had myself and everyone else, including my counselor, psychiatrist, doctor and Naturalpath, fooled. On my journey toward healing, BTS’s music, lyrics and words of encouragement have helped me bond with others that can relate to my story and have been a strong foundation of support. Some of these people I will meet for the first time, at the concert May 4th, at the Rose Bowl Stadium, for BTS’s Speak Yourself Tour. After performing their new song, Boy with Luv and Mic Drop on Saturday Night Live last night, more people know about them!