Eventually my pain and self-destruction became so severe that I sought the help I needed

(If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741)

Those of us with a mental illness are indoctrinated by our culture of ignorance and taught to believe that having a mental illness is a weakness, moral failing, and reason to be marginalized.

These false beliefs (though the marginalization is real) kept me in deep denial for many years, which prevented me from seeking help for my Bipolar Disorder. It was like having a severely broken leg and continuing to walk on it, pretending I was fine.

Eventually my pain and self-destruction became so severe that I sought the help I needed. Thank God!

If you are struggling with mental illness, emotional trauma, or addiction, you are not alone. And you are not a failure or a pariah.

Instead of hiding your pain and pretending to be fine, please seek help. ESPECIALLY if you are feeling suicidal.

https://www.nami.org/find-support/nami-helpline/top-25-helpline-resources