I am stronger than the stigma.

I knew I wanted to start this blog as an effort to end the stigma surrounding mental illness, but I did not realize how much that stigma has held me back. It has been less than 24 hours since my first post. Not even a dozen people have seen it. But I am already wondering who knows about my mental illnesses now.

When most people start their blogs, they forcibly drag everyone they know in front of a computer and strap them down to read and comment and "like" and share. They check their stats hourly in hopes that it went viral and is being turned into a 3D movie by next Christmas.

Two friends and Boyfriend know this blog exists. 
And only Boyfriend knew about my mental illnesses before reading it.

My Fears

1. What if a future employer discriminates me for my mental illnesses after seeing this?
2. What if someone who doesn't like me uses them against me?
3. What if friends stop hanging out with me or treat me differently when they find out?
4. What if Boyfriend's family sees this and worries that I'm dragging him down?
5. What if I do not help a single person with this blog, and all I've done is broadcast my own "faults"?

If I stop now, I'm letting the stigma win. And that is all the motivation I need to keep on writing.

Armed with my laptop and passion to end the stigma, I will push those fears aside (with a little help from my Zoloft and Lithium) to tell my story.