This past week I participated in an Mental Health campaign on Instagram called #vulnerABLE. One of the members my executive board put me in contact with a hometown friend who had an Instagram account called campusoils. I was unsure at first about sharing my story on such a public platform and I also had never used Instagram story before. However, something in my gut said that I should do it so I got in contact with the girl in charge and told her I was interested. I originally was going to get dressed up and look really put together for that day, however when the time came I changed my mind and dressed how I usually do on a Wednesday.
Enjoy these screenshots!
The point of my posts were to show the recovery and coping side of mental illness. I didn’t want to focus on my struggles because I did not think that it would be helpful to anyone. I talked about music and accepting help from others and of course writing for HerCampus CUA (see below). I also wanted to empower people and encourage them to feel like they are normal instead of broken for having a mental illness/mental health.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people define a problem for someone else, especially when it has to do with mental health. Mental Health is not the same for everyone and so it should not be defined in that way. If someone is feeling anxious or depressed then they are feeling anxious or depressed. It is that simple (well at least to me).
Talking about myself and my mental health was not easy. I was worried I was going to say the wrong thing or say things that were not even relevant/helpful. However, throughout the day the posts became more natural and easier. By the time my day ended, I was sad that I did not have the time to post more. Hopefully, what I did post made a difference for at least one person.
I think that it is important to tlak about mental health. Even when people are not comfortable with it. Mental Health and Mental Illness are not scarlet letters. There is nothing to be ashamed of and so people should stop acting that way. I am incredible thankful that I was able to do this campaign and I would totally do it again.