Defining who you are is a lot like being inspired or trying to achieve something. These three things all require the individual's decisions and views while other people's input doesn't much matter (or shouldn't anyway).
There has been a fair amount of concern from the adults in my life that I am now defining myself as "the mentally ill girl," in whatever capacity that may present itself. They are also concerned that this is how others will define me; and maybe they're right. As a 17 year-old I often think I know it all and am then faced with the realization that really...my mom was right; so it wouldn't surprise me if that were the case again.
Here's the thing, I am who I say I am and if others disagree then that's their prerogative. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but in reality all I need is to like myself, not other's approval. However, that's a lot easier said than done. I am a lot more then just depressed and anxious; I am a writer, I am Christian, I am a big sister, I am a camp councillor, I am a student and sometimes...I'm even happy.
Will I be denied a job because I talk about self-harm on this blog? Maybe. I suppose its possible but chances are that I wouldn't get along with that boss anyway if they are prejudice against human struggles; so I'm likely dodging a bullet.
The below video is a commercial about mental illness stigma in the workplace.
There has been a fair amount of concern from the adults in my life that I am now defining myself as "the mentally ill girl," in whatever capacity that may present itself. They are also concerned that this is how others will define me; and maybe they're right. As a 17 year-old I often think I know it all and am then faced with the realization that really...my mom was right; so it wouldn't surprise me if that were the case again.
Here's the thing, I am who I say I am and if others disagree then that's their prerogative. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but in reality all I need is to like myself, not other's approval. However, that's a lot easier said than done. I am a lot more then just depressed and anxious; I am a writer, I am Christian, I am a big sister, I am a camp councillor, I am a student and sometimes...I'm even happy.
Will I be denied a job because I talk about self-harm on this blog? Maybe. I suppose its possible but chances are that I wouldn't get along with that boss anyway if they are prejudice against human struggles; so I'm likely dodging a bullet.
The below video is a commercial about mental illness stigma in the workplace.
Though I admit the acting in this isn't stellar, I think it conveys a very important point. Am I to be judged for something I cannot change? If the answer is yes then I wish the employers the best of luck with my generation of "depressed, attention deficit, pill poppers."
Cheers to being you because that's the only person you'll be happy with.
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