Many people hide a secret shame. This is mine.

posted September 9th, 2014 at 7:40 AM

The great shame of my life has been a crippling disease that carries a heavy social stigma. The stigma is so powerful that it's victims, like me, hide it from their friends and acquaintances, from their own families, and even their doctors. Most destructively though, we deny it to ourselves and refuse to get help or treatment. I suffer from mental illness — in my case a recurring and at times incapacitating depression. I have lost years of my life to this darkness and the isolation it brings, but I have finally gotten the help that I hope will allow me to better manage it's impact and live a more complete and happier life.

5 Comments

So Brave

Sep 9, 2014 at 4:02pm

Loved your poetic confession. It's true, it can be like that. I have suffered similarly and find that a few different outlets really allow me to have no more bad days. Here's to finding yours. Gratitude heals.

So glad

Sep 9, 2014 at 8:50pm

you have gotten the help to control this illness. I know it can be a really horrible feeling. I find that there is less and less of a stigma attached to these illnesses as time goes on. Maybe a support group would be an eye-opener as to how common and how treatable this can be. Your doctor should be an easy one to talk to, otherwise, find a different one.

Same

Sep 10, 2014 at 1:35am

I'm still finding out a way to get proper treatment.. It's just near impossible to talk to my doctor about it.. GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Proud.

Reply to same

Sep 10, 2014 at 6:27am

Thanks for the comment Same. It isn't that hard to speak to your doctor, it's the shame of the disease stopping you. Fight through it for your own sake and for a chance at a better life. Sometimes strangers are easier to talk to then people you know as their judgement won't matter as much. If you've know your doc for a while, try a walk-in clinic where they don't know you. Or reach out to a counsellor or therapist without your doctors help. Risk exposing your shame and your self. It's one call that could change your life.