Open the Box & Shine a Light
Be encouraged by other’s stories of victory
I’ve seen the power of community building through the sharing of stories. When we open up to tell our experiences living with or supporting someone with mental health challenges, we normalize the journey and create a safe space where others will feel free to share. Hearing real people tell honest stories about their journey also significantly helps break down misinformation, stigma and shame. Our experiences should not be stuffed in a box and hidden, but released to shine a light so others do not feel alone. I have learned something from nearly every story I have heard in support groups and through my many years serving this community. I carry them in my heart and that is where they have been nurtured and serve as the inspiration for advocacy.
