My father shared our family’s history of bipolar disorder with me when I was 17 years old.

I was experiencing my first bout of depression and was overwhelmed by the realization of potentially inheriting a mental illness. It took me another 17 years to feel like I recovered from that moment of disorientation.

I recovered by confronting false beliefs caused by what I define as “self-stigma.” For me, this means that I had absorbed stereotypes of mental illness and accepted them as my character flaws: unreliable, weak, overly emotional, a failure, and destined for tragic events. The internalized self-stigma was more damaging to my mental health than the social stigma I experienced from others.

After a hospitalization in 2013 during a period of severe depression, I summoned the courage to overcome self-stigma and to forgive others who judged me for my condition. Bravely, I confronted the isolation and shame of self-stigma. I decided to publicly share my diagnosis, trust that wellness practices work, and focus on helping others who share similar struggles.

My mantra is “We all experience mental health struggles.” Using this perspective, I approach others with empathy and a sense of equality. I now fearlessly advocate to reduce stigma so others have the courage to step out of isolation and feel the embrace of a supportive community.

- Eric R. Riddle, Development Coordinator at Faith in Place