Breaking the barriers in mental health

International Women’s Day 2021

#Choosetochallenge

As women we are the architects in society, having leadership influence in all our spheres. However, we live in a male dominated society, where women are required to be seen and not to be heard. When you are outspoken, you are branded a feminist, an enemy of progress. For the past five year, I have curved my niche in the mental health space, not only has it been fulfilling but it has helped me break the barriers to #mentalhealthawareness through advocacy. Over time, I have learnt to create my space at the decision table even when I have not been invited. This has seen me participate in shaping mental health policies globally.

I have owned my story and it is no longer a secret, I have seen myself #Glow and #Grow as a person, a mother and a mental health professional. I have succeeded in creating a safe space, where anyone who needs to vent can always approach me to share their story.  By offering a listening ear, lives have been saved, the support I have received is overwhelming. Each day is a learning experience as I get to understand others better.

Having a lived experience of #bipolardisorder has not been a walk in the park. So many times, I have been excluded from opportunities, just because they saw my #mentalcondition before me as a person. For the five years that I have lived with the condition, I have cried buckets and buckets of tears, especially when everything does not seem to work. However, I have come to realize that I just have to own my journey for life to be bearable. The moment I become self-aware that I have to accept me first as I am, that’s total liberation and it sets my soul free for others to love me as I am.

As a leader in my sphere of influence, which is #mentalhealth, each day we have new recruits. There is no need of stigmatizing and discriminating against those with #mentalillness Anyone can join this #mentalhealthclub at any point in their lives. Women with bipolar disorder are creative and highly skilled. Despite the highs and lows, they can take in a lot and if supported create significant change in society.

In this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, I #choosetochallenge by:

Being a #voice to the #voiceless.

 A light in the darkness.

 I choose to wear my crown of thorns with honor.

I choose to stir up the status quo for #genderequality

I choose to rise up against all odds

Ladies with #psychosocial disabilities, I urge you all, to rise up, dress up and show up. Do not let your disability take center stage in your life. Love you, and work on you. Always celebrate you.

#IWD2021 #Ichoosetochallenge #bipolarawareness #Bipolarbrave #Bipolarstrong #mentalhealthmatters