Therapy and Stigma

There is a whole slew of people walking around that feel that therapy is for the weak of mind. It is a totally absurd notion. What I truly feel about these people, is that they are scared. Scared to look at the deep dark recesses of their minds. The parts of ourselves that are scarred, frightening, and down right ugly. Yes, there are parts of us, as a whole, that are not what we wish them to be. It is much easier to place blame on others and point out other's faults than to really search deep into yourself and see yours. It is a scary process and as a person that suffers from mental illness, it is paramount to do so.
Therapy is not for the weak. It is for the strong. Strong people that accept that there are parts of them that are damaged and in need of healing. Secrets keep you sick. Much like an infection of the soul. One who looks deep into the mirror and admits that they have faults, issues, and traumas are the strongest of all. It takes courage to dwell in the dark shadows and stormy clouds that dominate our minds. There is no security there and therefore you must be brave to face it. Quite, like ripping the scabs off of old wounds and watch them as they bleed. It's a trial and a struggle and it is worth every second of it. Real therapy does not always make you feel good. On hard days, it can feel stifling and closed in. On hard days you will shed tears and recall soul shattering pain. Therapy is healing but as such,  it is painful. It is an opportunity to seek better of yourself. It is a chance to shed your old skin and become new. In most cases therapy takes years.

Basically what I am saying is that, even if other's chastise you for seeking help you must do so anyway. You owe it to yourself to truly get to know yourself. To become familiar with the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of yourself. You owe it to yourself to finally learn to let go and heal. As mentally ill people will tell you, stigma is a really big fear. Sometimes, just telling others about the hardships we go through is really scary. We are not weak because we strive to do better, be better, and become better. We are strong because we refuse to stick our heads in the sand and pretend there is nothing wrong. We are strong because we have to be. We are strong because no one needs to or deserves to suffer in silence. We are strong because we recognize that we need help. Our voices are heard only if we speak out. Our shattering of the stigma that surrounds mental illness only happens if we refuse to be stigmatized. [tweet this]. Is is up to us to get better, work harder on ourselves, and be open and honest. We must refuse to lurk in the shadows and bow our heads in shame. We have nothing to be ashamed of.