Let’s Destigmatize Intimacy and Mental Health for the Sake of Our Own Wellbeing

You can also try substituting “intimacy” or “close relationships” in place of mental health! The message is the same and it’s just as important to remind ourselves of this everyday.

“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of the whole world but those who fight and win battles that others do not know anything about.”

I love this quote. But after thinking about it, I want to change it.
I agree that the battles we fight make us stronger, and they don’t need to be made public, but I do not believe that they should be kept a secret. That implies that we should suffer alone, and the reality is that most of the time we cannot get through the battles by ourselves. And even if we can, it’s a lot more stress and sadness than is necessary with a support system!

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and- just like with intimacy destigmatizing the topic is the most important thing we can do.

Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
I want to stress how important this is- breaking the stigma.

Stigmatization keeps people from recognizing their own issues; it keeps them from talking to others about them even when they do know; and it keeps us from getting the help that we deserve. The need for destigmatization is the beginning of everything we’re trying to do with BBXX as well. The two topics are actually quite intertwined.
1. Because your close relationships are the key to overcoming any mental health problems, and 2. Because people need to be ok talking about it and knowing that they’re not alone! In fact, everyone generally has some sort of problem- if not mental health and intimacy related- that they should talk about more than they do. Which, spoiler alert! Statistically speaking, if the majority of people have some sort of issues, it then makes it NORMAL.

I have struggled with mental illness throughout my life at many points- and some of my issues are ones that will never completely go away. They will come and go in better and worse waves- but the fight will be constant and unrelenting. But what these obstacles have made me realize is that I would be nowhere without my support system. I would have drowned alone in my own misery a long time ago, and I wouldn’t be anything close to the person I am today. Yes, I have overcome many struggles with my own strength and determination, but those closest to me are what have truly saved me in the darkest times. My support system- along with the personal battles we have fought together- have shaped me into the person I am today.

We all have personal battles- mental illness, intimacy, or otherwise- that we are currently fighting. The simple fact of the matter is, there’s nothing wrong with any of it. And since everyone’s situation is different, just save yourself the trouble now and stop judging or comparing yourself.

Everyone has them.
They can make us stronger.
But, only if we get the support we deserve.

That way, we can properly fight them and live healthier, happier lives as a result. And we can help each other #stopthestigma!

** Reach out now to someone you know and show them your support- a small gesture can go a long way!

“We all have our own secret struggles.”