'What Is the Purpose in Posting All Those Articles About Mental Illness on Social Media?'

Dear family and friends,

I’ve asked myself this question many, many times: “What is the purpose in posting all those articles about mental illness on social media?”

But then I remind myself, the answer is quite simple: I want to raise awareness and start conversations. I want to help others too afraid to post articles themselves, but brave enough to click “like” or open enough to even read the piece. 

Four out of five times when I post an article about mental illness, the next day at work, at least two or three people come to me privately to share something they connected with or needed to hear in the article. Supporting others who are bravely soldiering through their own battles is worth being a little uncomfortable.

Sharing an article about something I’m struggling or have struggled with myself is worth being vulnerable. It’s more than worth it.

So friends and family, that’s why I share on social media — because the only way I can make sense of all the hurt and frustration I’ve experienced is to hope it helps even one person on their journey. Through that, I am encouraged. I feel supported and honored to be trusted with someone’s innermost thoughts, and I can believe I am doing something, even though it may seem small, to help raise awareness and erase the stigma of having a mental illness.

It means I believe in a tomorrow where acceptance prevails and open dialogue about any mental illness is not only encouraged, but also more importantly, admired and respected. And it means one day, I will be courageous enough to share my personal story and my writings like the amazing, heroic authors I post.

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