One Step at a Time

Slowly, individuals, as well as organizations are starting "to come out of the closet" about mental illness. Yes, it may have reeked of politics, but it did not hurt to have Tipper Gore discuss her situation and urge Americans to recognize mental illness as a treatable problem without "stigma and ...shame." And last year a Georgian went on a 1,000mile trek to help end the stigma of mental illness. Said someone who watched Stewart Perry walk by, "If Stewart can do it...so can we."

And what about me? Can I break my fear of talking about this illness with anyone else besides my family and closest friends? I have to remember that there's no shame in being mentally ill. I also have to get rid of the guilt because I cannot carry my usual load of obligations. (If I had a debilitating physical illness I wouldn't feel this guilt!) And I have to squash the stereotypes in my own mind. Remember, as a child I also made fun of the loonies. And now I'm one of them!

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