'Just Get Over It' ~ A woman's personal experience with Mental Illness

Its not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain

Last night I gave my speech 'Just Get Over It'.  It was a success.  There were more people than I expected.  After my speech was done, we had a Question & Answer session.  There were a lot of great questions and dialogue.  I was approached by a few afterward and I really felt that I made a connection and helped them to feel less alone.  I was so touched to hear that they knew how I felt and that I gave them hope for their own recovery.  I really don't know what words best express how the experience made me feel.  I know I am glad that I did it.....

Yesterday I went to work for a few hours as I had training I wanted to have.  I learned that my speech was announced on the local radio station and that people who knew me had heard it!!  While I was learning this information from one of my co-workers, a co-worker from the HR department overheard our conversation and asked what we were talking about.  I explained that I was giving a speech at the local library that night about my Journey with Mental Illness as well as my return to work.  He congratulated me on my courage and asked if he could post the information on the Employee Info board.....I agreed and told him I would send a copy of the flyer via e-mail once I got home.  Today I received an e-mail from both HR AND the Plant Manager!!  I was shocked!!

Here are the e-mails (I had to edit some to protect the identity of the people and the company)

From HR

As promised I posted your speech time and location on the employee information board. (attached) I am extremely happy to hear you felt supported by 'The Company' during your illness.  Please continue to be a  positive role model when it comes to educating people here at the site around STD(Short Term Disability).  Too often STD is seen as a negative, in most cases just like yours there is a legitimate reason for the persons absence.  And after getting the assistance you needed look what you are achieving and even taking it the next level by helping others understand both inside and outside 'The Company' .

Thanks so much

From The Plant Manager

We have not yet met, but I applaud your courage to share your story with the intent to help others.  It is always most valuable when people are willing to speak from experience about their own personal journeys.  Thank you for your leadership!

Thanks,

I must say that I am not only surprised, but am also touched that these people recognize the courage I needed to find in order to do something so personal and public.  To share my experiences was to share a time when I was most vulnerable.  Also with the stigma and stereotype around Mental Illness, it was very difficult to express what I went through.  

I will post the content of my speech another day.  I will also post the newspaper article/interview once it is published.

For tonight I am going to relax and be proud of accomplishing something I never dreamed I could do!

Dream big, as no dream is truly impossible