As some of you may have noticed, my last post was a reblogged post from aliceatwonderland. I ran across her blog while skimming through the FreshlyPressed page and clicked on her post on Epic Quests and Crap Like That. And I liked it. Of course! So, I did what you are supposed to do when you run across another awesome blogger, you become a follower (which I always thought was kind of ironic but that is a whole different bit…) Anywho, she then talked about the Blog for Mental Health 2013 from Canvas of the Minds. Honestly, I thought this was just way too cool. I am so so incredibly happy that someone is taking the innitative to blog about mental health and all the horrid stigmas that go with it. Every post I read on their blog I just thought, “AMEN!”.
So folks, I have taken the pledge, which is below:
Canvas of the Minds.
I pledge my commitment to the Blog For Mental Health 2013 Project. I will blog about mental health topics not only for myself, but for others. By displaying this badge, I show my pride, dedication, and acceptance for mental health. I use this to promote mental health education in the struggle to erase stigma.
I’m super stoked! When I was in high school, I started to go through a serious funk. If it weren’t for my amazing parents who understood what I was going through, I would’ve probably ended up never having the opportunity to see a therapist and learn to cope with my problems past, present, and future, and therefore having an extremely miserable and less than par life. And I just recently went back to see her because I am at another phase in my life where I just need the extra support. You know what the really sad part is, for the longest time I was embarrassed about it, to the point I would call her my counselor because I thought the word had less negative connotations. But, I am not anymore. I now know that it is incredibly brave to pick yourself off the floor where you have been crying your heart out and say, “I need help.” It takes so much strength. I love my therapist, to me, she is just another family member, I have been incredibly fortunate.
I understand that some people are more indisposed to depression and anxiety, and I happen to be one of them. And it’s okay. Sometimes I think I’m literally going mad, but I think it is really important to accept it and move on. No one is perfect, and I don’t know how many times I have had peoples problems dumped on me and just thought “Oh please just go see a therapist.” Seriously. “Normal” people see psychiatrists and psychologists. Whatever “normal” even is.
Well that was my little soap box. I am gladly stepping down now. My point is that people are beautiful and it is so incredibly close-minded to think that because someone struggles with depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. that they are insane or should “suck it up.” It makes my heart hurt. So I want to join the cause to bring about open-mindedness and compassion for mental health. We were blessed as humans to have such incredible minds, and everyone deserves to have happy and healthy ones.
And I’d agree with Alice in Wonderland. All the best people are mad. 😉
As a part of the pledge you are supposed to pledge other people whom you think would also take the pledge. However, I know people strongly dislike chains like that. So, I am just going to refer you to Canvas of the Minds if you feel at all impassioned to do so. It’s a great cause that is very dear to my heart and even if you just want to check out their blog- go for it! It is an amazing community of people.
(Their link is above)
Simply & Softly 
I love this, and I am so incredibly happy that you found us! You are completely right when you talk about how very brave and strong it is to say those three little words, to yourself (especially) or to anyone: I need help.
I’m glad you have gotten to a place where you realize this, and that you have the help you need in your life. It’s very beautiful of you to care so much about destroying the stigma and ignorance that surround these issues.
Thanks so much! I am so glad I heard about Canvas of the Minds as well! What you all are doing is incredibly important and I know much appreciated by many.
I just took the pledge myself and I’m now visiting my comrades blogging for mental health.
I look forward to reading more of your posts. Perhaps we can encourage each other.
I’m so glad you decided to join the community, it is incredible to meet so many beautiful individuals who deal with different mental illnesses. It’s incredibly inspiring, as well as all the others who recognize the importance of mental health. I look forward to following you as well!