Faces of Mental Health - Lindsey's Story
Mental illness is not anonymous. Those who struggle have names and faces, lives and families, passions and challenges. To help break the stigma, the Outrun the Stigma Edmonton planning committee reached out to the University of Alberta community to share stories on mental health.
Hear their stories and their experiences.
Lindsey
I have dermatillomania (i.e. compulsive skin picking/body-focused repetitive behaviour). Living a decade with a mental illness that most people have never heard of has been challenging in terms of seeking help. I’ve been (incorrectly) categorized under some familiar disorders like OCD and anxiety, but I’ve yet to come across affordable options specific to my needs or meet a professional that has experience working with disorders like mine.
I’ve done a lot of reading, hard work, and self-reflection to get a firm grasp on my personal manifestation of the disorder. The most helpful thing I’ve learned though is the importance of opening up about my struggle to people I trust. It hasn’t been easy, mostly because it takes people a while to start understanding it, but I’ve gotten better at being patient, and pushing through the discomfort to a place of confidence and ownership over my mental health. With all mental illness, it’s important to maintain an open and honest dialogue, but I believe it’s especially important to discuss the ones lacking understanding, so they too can be brought into the conversation.
Want to join the Faces of Mental Health campaign?
Email us at edmonton@outrunthestigma.ca to learn more, or direct message us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook @outrunthestigma. For more information on story sharing check out our website or email stories@outrunthestigma.ca
See us in person at Outrun the Stigma Edmonton!
Join us at Outrun the Stigma Edmonton on Sunday, October 15! Learn more and sign up at outrunthestigma.ca/edmonton
We would like to thank the brave individuals featured in this campaign for their openness and resiliency in the face of struggle. Thank you for opening up and sharing your storie!
Do you need support?
If you in immediate danger of hurting yourself or someone else phone 911. For other support please call:
Calgary: Distress Centre Calgary - (403) 266 HELP (4357)
Edmonton: The Support Network Distress Line - (780) 482 - HELP (4357)
Are you somewhere else in Canada? Find a crisis line near you.
International? Find a crisis line near you.
To chat with someone live online go to 7cups.com.