“You are not alone, and you are not defective.”

Share your stigma experience.

Growing up in a strict fundamentalist background, I was taught that depression was just anger and self-pity. Being told by my authority figures that my depressed feelings were sinful and “so much [nonsense]” caused me to feel like a defective human being. I hated myself because I couldn’t be the vibrant, constantly smiling woman I was expected to be. I wanted to either die or miraculously change who I was.

How did you overcome this experience?

After leaving organized religion, I went to a doctor who diagnosed me with major depressive disorder and prescribed antidepressant medication. Putting a name to my situation was a huge step toward healing. I work with a mental health coach and practice mindfulness to address the past and move forward.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

You are not alone, and you are not defective. But please, get help, and do everything you can to take care of yourself in the meantime. You matter.