There is something to be said of sharing stories.
Sharing stories connects people.
They help people.
Stories help others understand. And they help people get the help they need.
Sharing stories makes people realise ‘hey, wait a minute, she’s not so different from me.’
It brings the truth to realisation.
Never stop sharing stories. One day sharing your story will help someone to understand, relate, connect and empathise.
For many years I could not share. I come from a place, with a culture of not recognising depression as a real illness. The stigma is great. The lack of understanding and support is profound even within the medical profession.
I had resolved never to talk about it with most people from the country of my origin, including my own family.
But one day, I realised the importance of continuing to share. My father said to me: “I could never understand it, how depression could be an illness” he said, “but now for the first time in my life, I understand.”
This came after I had shared a story with my father. It started with a simple question.
Dad asked me how I could go for so long without eating and not feel hungry. I had to explain to him that major depression is such a gripping, enveloping illness, that the hollowness it causes inside you is greater than any hunger or emotion you could possibly feel.
Dad is now better able to support me. Sharing my story changed the status quo.
Gentle hugs:)
What a lovely step towards connection!! Kuddos to your Dad too for asking!!
Thanks Lisa:) I couldnt believe it, still! after all this time 🙂
I really didn’t put much stock in Fibromyalgia until I was struck with it, not an ideal way to accept an illness. I think it’s important to educate people but I think we also need to realize that not everone is receptive. It’s a fine line to walk but so rewarding when we’ve gotten our message across, even if it’s only one person we’ve enlightened.
I agree hun. Not everyone is receptive but we must not let that discourage us from sharing. We nvr know when someone will get it.
So true, and hopefully they won’t need to get hit with it to actually understand it! 😉
Reblogged this on Youth Of A Nation:Bent not Broke and commented:
Help someone today! Share your story <3