A Personal Story: “I Have Mental Illness”

This week is Mental Illness Week and we have been sharing facts and statistics all week to create more education and awareness around mental health. Sharing this information also helps to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Most people dealing with mental illness have faced some sort of stigma at some point in their lives. Many people deal with it every day. Thankfully, education and awareness about mental health has started to improve. Still, the stigma surrounding mental illness remains prevalent, and it is always helpful to hear from those who have experienced it firsthand.

Dan Arian, a great supporter of the Lake County community, decided to share his story for Mental Illness Week and World Mental Health Day, which was Thursday, October 10th.

“Along with it being Mental Illness Week, today is World Mental Health Day.

So, today seems like a great opportunity to share my story with all of you for the first time: I struggle with mental illness.  

Now, I am attempting to show that no one is immune to mental illness. It does not discriminate. 

My story started when I was diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorder when I was 26. I was a graduate student at Yale at the time and was not able to complete my education and had to return home to live with my parents until I found adequate care. 

Every one of us know of a friend, co-worker, or fellow family member suffering with this terrible disease. Many times it tears apart our dreams, hopes and aspirations. But I can tell you that there is hope.  

With adequate and coordinated care, proper medicine, and compassionate physicians, there is room for a life full of happiness, contentment and fulfillment.

I am hopeful that more people will speak out about their experiences with mental illness to reduce the terrible stigma that often comes along with it.  

The disease is NO different than physical illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. Please open your heart and mind to others suffering.

We can all make a difference by creating more awareness and supporting organizations that help those struggling with mental illness. One of the organizations that I am supporting is Crossroads Health.

Crossroads Health offers recovery and mental health services for all people, at all ages and stages of life, to better serve the Lake County community.

I urge you to join me in supporting them this year by making a donation here: http://bit.ly/SupportCrossroadsHealth

Together, we can end the stigma.”

Thanks you, Dan, for being brave enough to share your story with all of us. You never know whom your story might help or inspire, so we appreciate people like Dan who use their story for the greater good.

Always remember that there is hope and there is help available. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can view all of our services here.