By Laura Watkins
Owner of Pure Salon Spa | Founder of Mental Girl Enterprises | Mental Health Speaker & Author
Does Depression Ever Fully Go Away?
Even though I’m doing well now, I still have difficult days.
And if I’m honest, one of the hardest things for me has been accepting that I have a mental illness that I may need to manage for the rest of my life.
In my stubborn brain, it sometimes feels like failure.
I mean… I’m Laura damn Watkins.
I can conquer anything, right?
But depression doesn’t work that way.
And learning to accept that has been part of my healing.
Why Is There Still So Much Stigma Around Mental Illness?
For a long time, I felt embarrassed and ashamed about my depression.
I would ask myself:
“What do you have to be depressed about?”
From the outside, my life looked amazing.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Depression doesn’t discriminate.
The brain is an organ, just like the heart, lungs, or pancreas.
Sometimes it gets sick.
We don’t shame people for seeking treatment for:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
So why do we still attach so much stigma to mental illnesses that affect the brain?
Why Talking About Mental Health Matters More Than Ever
In recent years, especially following the isolation and challenges of COVID-19, more people than ever are struggling with their mental health.
Even people who have never experienced depression before. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 of us will be diagnosed with a mental illness every year.
I’ve also known too many people who have tragically lost their battle with mental illness.
Which is why I’ve decided to do something about it.
How Can We Break the Stigma Around Mental Illness?
Here’s the deal. I’m ready to do my part to change the stigma around mental illness.
And with your help, I believe we can:
- Save lives
- Raise awareness
- Help people feel less alone
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply start talking about it.
Mental illness doesn’t make someone weak.
And asking for help might just be the bravest thing a person ever does.
Photo credit Unsplash photo
So let’s just start talking about mental health. What do you say?
This article is part of a mental wellness series by Laura Watkins, owner of Pure Salon Spa. To learn more about Laura’s story, speaking or her book, Something Feels Off, visit www.mentalgirl502.com