Famous pop musician and actress Selena Gomez is reportedly now in a great place after her treatment and knows that should she need it in the future, she won’t hesitate to return to the facility. Her honesty and bravery will hopefully serve to empower others to speak out and get the help they need as well.
speak out about my mental health and body image issues because others like myself have not.
In America, 1 in 5 adults will have a mental illness during their lifetime. Nearly 60% of adults with mental illnesses do not receive treatment in a given year. Stigma generates shame, hopelessness, exclusion, lack of social support and low self-esteem. Those impacted by stigma are less likely to seek help and accept help if offered. So how do we fight stigma?
When someone is dealing with depression, it may not seem like they are. Their symptoms may seem “invisible.” And that’s the truth for all of us whenever we feel depressed. So how do we move forward when we feel this way?
Maybe every generation gets called lazy by the ones that came before, and maybe with the rise of social media, hearing such criticism is just even more inevitable. However, the labels of snowflakes and the idea that Millennials need to try harder are as lacking in facts as one of Donald Trump’s tweets.
“You can overcome anything, if you believe you can.” That has been the mantra that I have carried with me throughout various chapters of my life. It has gotten me through even the most difficult moments, including dealing with depression.
More than anything, telling my story and following my passion have shown me just how important opening a conversation about mental health is to changing the environment around you.
