Why Open Myself Up?

Many people often ask me why I am so open with my struggles dealing with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For awhile I didn't openly talk about it. I felt ashamed, broken, crazy, misunderstood (which still happens) and lazy. I didn't want to be judged. I didn't want to be treated differently, although, for me personally, I needed and need to be.

Almost 2 years ago, I decided to be very open about my struggles on social media. I've been doing it for the past few years with those I had met, but only a select few. At first just being open with those that I knew was hard. It took me awhile to be able to share my story with strangers on social media and anyone else that I may have met in person. It was hard at first, but I kept going. I've gotten a lot of support, although I do have many that ignore it. Perhaps it is too hard for people to see me struggle. That is ok. I hate knowing that I struggle. I also wanted to help. I wanted for others see that they are not alone. I hope to help those that do not suffer understand as much as they can so that the stigma of mental illness one day can be lifted, even if only a little bit. I hope to help others recognized what they need to look for if they know someone struggling and who may need help but will not seek it themselves.

I want people to see just what I go though (and many others). We have good days, bad days and just down right very difficult days. Sometimes all of those happen in one day, with in hours of each other. There is no one way it happens. There is no "manual" on when episodes happen. Sometimes it is caused by a trigger, other times it just happens out of nowhere.

In conclusion, I am open so that I can help others know they are not alone, hopefully lift part of the stigma of mental illness, help those that do not suffer understand more then they do or even a little bit more and well, it's kind of my own therapy.

-Kristin

*My personal struggles or ways that I deal with my depression are just that, my own. Not everyone suffers or handles it like I do. This blog and the words are my feelings, interpretations, opinions, ect. Not everyone will agree with this blog or what I have to say, that is ok. That hasn't stopped me before, and it won't stop me now. I just ask that you be respectful and to keep an open mind.