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Sheryl’s story

Fight for understanding. Embrace your creativity.

What kind of stigma did you experience/observe?

I fell ill after being in an 11 year abusive marriage. My family pushed me away and my children were taken away because I had a mental illness. I hope soon to be able to write my memoir in hopes of educating people about the pain I have been through. I still don’t feel comfortable telling anyone I meet that I am mentally ill.

How did you overcome this experience?

It’s been pretty hard to go on-but I’m looking at enjoying life with my cats, my adult children and hobbies now.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Accept that you have a mental illness. Try to find a way to be positive and find happiness in life. Fight for understanding. Embrace your creativity. Focus on how to show your intelligence to the world. We are truly special people!

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