Have you ever been hospitalized for a physical ailment? Were you ashamed to be headed to the hospital? Were you made fun of for getting injured or feeling sick? Did you push past the taunts that you were "whining" about the ailment to get what you needed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, how is psychiatric hospitalization any different? I can see many of you now nervous, because of thoughts like "What if I did have to be hospitalized for being crazy?" or "I was hospitalized, but I don't want anyone to know..." The reason you feel like that is because there is a heavy stigma attached to mental illness + I'm on a mission to break that stigma!
Read moreDay 17: When Suicide Becomes a Family Member
Suicide should always be taken seriously. If someone is considering suicide, the best thing to do is to get them talking about it. It is never a mistake to talk about suicide with the person. If you are unsure how to handle the situation, find someone who can help you. Never be afraid to tell someone even if the suicidal person says they were not serious. Allow a trained professional to assess their risk for suicide.
I am so honored to present this woman’s story to you. When I met this woman I knew there was something special about her. She was kind, caring and always cheerful. I was surprised to hear what she had been through and even more amazed by the resilience she demonstrated as she experienced these the things she is going to share.