StopTheStigma

I talk a lot of talk about stopping the stigma and feeling no shame over my mental health, or lack thereof. For some reason there is one population where I still feel shame, my extended family. They have no idea how to take my illness. It is foreign to them, as am I. They invited us to have dinner tonight. Every other time they invited us anywhere, I refused to go. I am not living my words. I always strive to keep my word but here I am not. Lord, please give me the strength to change this. #TheMighty #MightyTogether #StopTheStigma #noshame

This may not end up being a very well-liked post, but nonetheless I feel led to share it.

I pride myself on being a nonjudgmental person. I strive to put aside differences in favor of relationship.

This view of myself has recently been challenged as I am beginning to believe we all have a tendency to stigmatize others, even if it is subconscious, due to cultural upbringing. In the past several months, I have befriended two individuals, one of which practices a different faith than I do, and the other who has a lifestyle that contrasts with my traditional conservative values. My experience with them, connecting with them online and before I learned of these differences, has brought to light the fact that had I met them knowing of these differences, I would have been less inclined to see them for who they really are, amazing, thoughtful, and kind people. Before we point fingers at others for their stigmatizing beliefs, maybe we should look within to see if we, ourselves, are unknowingly doing it to others. This in no way excuses the stigmatization of others, just like their behavior in no way excuses ours.

"First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.". - Matthew 7:5

#TheMighty #MightyTogether #Stigma #StopTheStigma #Judgement #selfawareness

Brainstorm with me.

A new friend kindly brought to my attention that stigma of MENTAL ILLNESS is not the only type of stigma people face. I was appreciative to learn that those with PHYSICAL DISABILITIES are right there with us when it comes to enduring unfair and unfounded judgement. I want to know of other populations dealing with stigma. If you know of any other circumstances that invite the ignorant judgement of others, please comment below. We all need to stick together. We Are #MightyTogether #TheMighty #StopTheStigma #Education #Awareness #MentalHealth #Physicaldisability

I want to compile a list of celebs who have been open about their mental health struggles and those who are fighting to bring awareness to it. I count those struggling with addiction as well. #TheMighty #MightyTogether #MentalHealth
#StopTheStigma #Awareness #Celebrities #Hollywood #ActorsWithDisabilities #musicians #artists #Art #craft #Pain #Inspiration #Motivation #creativity

Who of you has felt the sting of stigma? If so, and if you feel comfortable, what exact diagnosis was stigmatized?

For me, my Borderline Personality Disorder is highly stigmatized and to read the opinions online about us who have it can be downright painful and triggering. I urge others with this challenge, don't do it. Don't ever look it up unless it's to educate yourself on it. Don't go to any sites that post the opinion of others. Even search results can be disheartening.#Stigma #Misconception #Wrong #triggering #revictimization #StopTheStigma #TheMighty #MightyTogether

I have gone out on a limb and created two groups for us to pool our power and to fight our personal challenges along with the public's response to them. Join me in fighting our pain through #IntercessionforIllness and doing what we can to #StopTheStigma . We are #StrongerTogether . #MightyTogether #TheMighty