Most people who know me have heard that I am on a mission this year. My mission is to fight against the stigma of depression and I have formalised my campaign by joining the Aspire Heroine’s Quest which starts in March.
Here I am [Caroline] in this quarter’s A Single Step magazine published by the Depression Alliance in a short article about stigma.
Depression Alliance-A Single Step Magazine Winter 2010
For all those who have been on a different planet to me over the past couple of months, here is a reminder of my Quest campaign:
My Campaign is:
To eradicate the stigma attached to mental illness in general and depression in particular.
Because?
Everyone deserves a chance.
Why should you care?
Because depression is non-discriminatory. Tomorrow it could be you or someone you care about.
Call to action:
I would like everyone to start talking openly and honestly about mental health issues and experiences of depression. Only in this way will we effect change.
Amen
Poppyposts 
Wonderful article Caroline! I was not able to get it to open with a left click of the mouse due to pop-up blockers I have installed. But a right click let me save the file then read it.
And your post is right on target. Stigma and the misunderstandings and communications problems it brings is probably the single worst thing we face. Extend depression to the extreme of suicide and see how many people are willing to talk to you realistically, listen and really understand.
Thanks for being here Sis. Your fight has made a difference for one person already – me – and more significantly than I ever could have imagined. And it’s a fight that won’t end quickly, but is worth continuing.
Very sincerely,
– Phoenix
Hi Phoenix- thank you for your continued support. So many people are stigmatised by the illness and it makes me angry. One of my favourite sayings, and I have no idea who this is attributed to is ” To write a person off as worthless is an act of great violence-don’t do it”. Depression has taught me not to judge and it has made me very humble. Simple pleasures bring me most joy. It’s not a bad lesson to learn is it? I’m so pleased that my fight has made a difference to you-that in itself makes me happy 🙂 And I will finish by repeating another of my favourite quotes; ” I didn’t say it was going to be easy, I said it will be worth it”. Take care bro. XX- Sis
🙂 OOXXOO
– Phoenix