How the Internet's Sending Hope to People Recently Diagnosed With a Mental Illness

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a mental illness, the Internet has a few words for you. Twitter users are using the hashtag #IfJustDiagnosed to send messages of hope to people who have just been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Mental health advocate Rachel Griffin started the hashtag using her popular Twitter account, I’m Not Ashamed.

“A diagnosis can be quite a relief to get, because you realize what’s been going on with you has a name, others have struggled with it and that there are treatment options,” Griffin told The Mighty. “But I want people to know that a diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re not yourself anymore. It doesn’t mean the future is bleak. It doesn’t mean you’re damaged, defective or that something is inherently wrong with you.”

#ifjustdiagnosed For taking the first step to recovery, I’m proud of you. You’re strong, brave, courageous, and you’re a warrior.

— #ImNotAshamed (@teamnotashamed) February 21, 2016

She hopes the hashtag will help connect people who’ve been recently diagnosed with a mental illness to their online community.

“I thought it would be a nice way for those who have recovered to say to those who are struggling what they wish they’d heard when they were first diagnosed,” Griffin said.

Here’s more from #IfJustDiagnosed:

#ifjustdiagnosed Recovery can be hard and challenging but there are people to help and support you. You can do it.

— Megan K. (@megthevalkyrie) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed don’t try to figure everything out in one day .. It’s gunna take time, patience & baby steps! Hold on & don’t give up!

— Carly (@karbarr2) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed remember that there are many people who have been there and can empathise #imnotashamed

— Running4MentalHealth (@SimonABuckden) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed know that you are not alone, there are so many people out there who support you. You are loved <3#imnotashamed

— JustineM (@JMcNeil_) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed know that those who don't accept your mental illness are the problem, not you.

— Nicole Campbell (@SouperNic) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed understand that you are not different you are BETTER. Better because you now know what effects you the most in life.

— Tony (@k10933) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed Be strong and know that reaching out is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. I’m so proud of you.

— #ImNotAshamed (@teamnotashamed) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed it's ok to feel lost. Ask questions. The more you know, the less scary it is. #imnotashamed

— Mar (@mar_andras) February 21, 2016

#ifjustdiagnosed you are that much closer to recovery!!!!!!

— Sabrina SdE (@NomNomNom122) February 21, 2016

What would you to say to someone who was recently diagnosed with a mental illness? Join the online movement, or tell us in the comments below.