Share your story

Share your story
0 words
0 words
0 words
*Required field

I have read and accept these terms.

I have read and accept the Make It OK website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. By clicking “submit” I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and give HealthPartners, Inc. and its related organizations (“HealthPartners”) consent to use and publically display the Personal and Health Information I share on this website (“My Information”), in whole or in part, on this website and in other commercial ways, including making My Information available to third party users of this website to promote the Make It OK campaign. I understand that HealthPartners may edit or choose not to use My Information and will only use my first name or a fictitious name when My Information is used. I understand that I will not be compensated in any way by HealthPartners or third parties for sharing My Information with Make It OK and that the purpose of the campaign is to help reduce mental health stigma. I release HealthPartners from any and all liability for any claims that may arise out of the use, publication or sharing of My Information for this purpose.


Sending

Filter Stories Done

« Back To All Stories

Amberleah’s Story

“Your mind is special, and your illness can help you have empathy for others and lift those in darkness.”

Share your stigma experience.

I have had depression since early childhood. Often when I tell people, you can see their entire countenance change. I have struggled with anxiety, eating disorders, I was misdiagnosed for 7 years as Bipolar 2, and I have treatment resistant depression. I had my suicide planned out in July 2019 and my husband found me, pills in hand, and got me checked in to a mental health facility. When I was released 2 weeks later, I refused to stay quiet, and as I publicly (in my little network) talked about it, I had a lot of people treat me differently and walk out of my life. Luckily, none of my family members have changed their treatment of me and I think that my speaking out (just on my small social media accounts) has helped people understand that sometimes depression is a lifelong illness, it is not a temporary “fixable” problem.

I fight intrusive thoughts daily, sometimes hourly. ECT helped me but only temporarily and after 3 series and over 80 treatments, being basically a zombie for 21 months, I tried TMS which also helped a little, but insurance won’t cover maintenance treatments so I had to stop. I continue to go to therapy and speak out about my experiences.

My husband likes to tell me that my brain is trying to pull me down because my potential is so great. (it makes more sense the way he says it, LOL).

How did you overcome this experience?

Depression sucks. But I have to find the positive. I tearfully tell my kids how blessed we all are to have this understanding of an illness because of our own close call. 2 of my kids have shared parts of their experience with my depression and helped their friends get much needed help.

I stay in therapy and talk to those that I know I can rely on for support. Most of all, I am not quiet about all I’ve been through. Sharing helps lift me and others.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

People often say “this, too, shall pass” but I don’t think that’s always the case with depression. It isn’t going to pass, for most it is lifelong; but it a blessing. Your mind is special, and your illness can help you have empathy for others and lift those in darkness.

Share This Story

Stigma Quiz

Can you recognize mental illness stigma?

Go To Quiz

Dive Deeper

Try the Make It OK Interactive Tool

Explore

21,238 people have pledged to stop mental illness stigma.

By signing this pledge, you’re taking a stand against the mental illness stigma. Pass it on. Print it out. Tape it up. It can serve as a reminder to start more conversations and stop the labeling. Together, we can Make It OK.

Take the Pledge