Stigma

In deciding whether or not to start this blog I had to decide if I wanted to deal with the stigma of having my mental illness be public. I have tried to hide my mental illness before. I was afraid it would discredit me in my work. That if someone didn't like a decision I made they could blame it on my mental illness. I recently came out of an Intensive Out Patient treatment program and we discussed how much strength it takes to get up and live each day with a mental illness. The successes I have in life mean so much more to me because of what I have had to overcome to be there.

My disability does not have to define me by any means but accepting it helps me to appreciate that much more the little things that others may take for granted. It doesn't make me better or them better. It's not a who is better comparison. It's simply I can choose to live my life in a way that lets me appreciate that many more things in my life. I can have shame and fear and hiding or I can breathe and accept and appreciate the small things. I don't have to blast my disability all over the place either. But I did choose to write this blog. I hope to inspire others by providing comfort and support and I value that over what others may say about me at this point.

Takeaways

• Your disability does not define you

• Find appreciation for the small things that if you were "normal" you may take for granted

• Stigma is real

• Take time deciding who you want to know about your disability because not everyone will be able to handle it