“Taking care of your mental illness is not selfish.”

Share your stigma experience.

During my par- time inpatient and part- time outpatient treatment, I didn’t have mental health insurance. I ended up having to quit my job to seek treatment. The bills got to be so high, and I was unable to pay, that I had to stop treatment.

How did you overcome this experience?

I found a therapist who had a sliding scale. I starting working part time so I could afford my appointments, and so I could treat my mental health. I couldn’t work full time and treat my mental health. This hurt my already poverty-level financial situation. But because of these choices I made, I have a really good treatment plan. I was able to get better. I finished a Master’s Degree, and I have a leadership position. The sacrifice was worth it.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Taking care of your mental illness is not selfish. Find those few people who believe in you and are there for you until you believe for yourself the good human that you are. You are enough. You are better than enough.