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

Leslie’s Story

“…also don’t give up, even if you feel like you will never get better!”

What kind of stigma did you experience/observe?

I have had difficulty with depression, substance abuse, an eating disorder, suicide, low self-esteem and anxiety, since I was 17 years old and I am 53 now. Sometimes it feels like I have to live a lie with people, because I feel like that they would not accept me if they knew my true life story. I typically do not share a lot of this information. It can be difficult because it feels like I am hiding things. I want people to like me, but it feels too risky to share my past history with them.

How did you overcome this experience?

As I have gotten older it has become easier to talk about my past struggles. I attended a women’s support group for many years, which helped as these women all had similar stories. I share bits and pieces of my story, which seems less of a risk.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

I found that these are some things that have helped me. Ask for help if you need it. Many employers have employee assistance programs and they are free, also don’t give up, even if you feel like you will never get better!

Share This Story

Stigma Quiz

Can you recognize mental illness stigma?

Go To Quiz

Dive Deeper

Try the Make It OK Interactive Tool

Explore

21,509 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