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

Naomi’s story

“I felt bad about feeling bad.”

What kind of stigma did you experience/observe?

I have generalized anxiety disorder and also experience episodes of severe clinical depression. These facts have cast a shadow over the rest of my experiences. I was afraid that people would see me acting “abnormally” and think I was “crazy”. I would do my best to fit in and would withdraw from being around people during times when my symptoms got worse. I would have troubles making it into work and wouldn’t feel I really had a reason for not going. I just hadn’t been able to get out of bed that day. I felt bad about feeling bad.

How did you overcome this experience?

Over time I have become friends with other people with mental illnesses. Within this group of people, I have found a community of people who have had similar experiences as me. These people accepted me exactly as I was so I, in turn, accepted them exactly as they were. I realized there wasn’t anything shameful about my experience.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

It can get better. You can feel better. Reach out to your loved ones and let them listen to your story.

Share This Story

Stigma Quiz

Can you recognize mental illness stigma?

Go To Quiz

Dive Deeper

Try the Make It OK Interactive Tool

Explore

21,899 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