02/12/2021
If we fall off something tall, we get sympathy, flowers, casseroles, and daily visitors. But if we fall into a spiral of depression, it’s just silence. There is no sick leave, no sympathy cards. No understanding that this situation needs medical attention and time off. Maybe some pity, maybe some unsolicited advice to shrug it off, cheer up, stop being so lazy and go get some fresh air, or maybe minimizing our struggles. Because they are invisible.
And what is invisible AND stigmatized makes people uncomfortable and denying the existence of it is the easy way out. But it is real and it poisons those who are not able to talk about it or get help, and kills those who can’t bear the burden anymore. I’ve been there. I’ve been undiagnosed for 15 years, suicidal for the most part.
We collectively need to put this on the map, because more people suffer from mental health issues than we think. Bad mental health days deserve warm soup and loved ones around. It is both our duty to speak up about not being okay and how it affects us, and to be the ones who provide the soup and hugs.
Ps. Many of you have mentioned invisible/chronic physical illnesses looking like the bottom picture in the comments, I do want to acknowledge you too♥️
