Imagine
Having an illness that impacts every facet of your life.
It’s there when you wake up, and when you go to sleep,
An illness that impacts all of your organs.
That ravages your personality and sense of self.
That destroys relationships, careers, and engagement in life...
And nobody supports you.
-
You are ridiculed, blamed. Told that you are stupid, need to snap out of it.
Others gossip about how you’ve been looking and acting.
You become bathed in shame so suffocating, it nearly drowns you.
Treatment is a long, arduous battle that many face on their own. Many are forced to keep up with work or school because this isn’t seen as a “real” illness. But you are essentially fighting yourself through the process. In fact, many can't even afford proper treatment.
If you don’t recover, the shame persists. You believe you’re defective and failed treatment, that it’s all your fault.
If you recover, nobody rings a bell. Few congratulate you or say much at all. Many who recover hit burn out, and are then questioned as to why they are burnt out.
The shame never escapes you.
I hope one day
Individuals with mental illness
Will be able to celebrate wins and have others support them in their low points
As if it is a completely normal and expected reaction.
Please support those near and dear
They are fighting a battle most would fear.
