Hi.
My name is
@Sagat
And I have issues dealing with my emotions.
Specifically anger and depression.
I would like to say, I am thankful for this thread.
As someone who has dealt with this issues for over ten years, I felt alone, especially being black and dealing with mental illness.
I felt alone as in, there were very few people I could truly relate to about this issues, that I could talk about without being judged or stigmatized.
The stigmatization that is involved with dealing with mental illness can be as crippling as the mental illness itself.
For some reason, even though you may live a functional lifestyle, have a job, keep a roof over your head, and relatively are a productive member of society, they (society) wants to see you as quite possibly an invalid, unstable, a danger to yourself and others...almost like a child. And that allows others to come at you on a condescending tip..even when they have no room to speak on you, and have little understanding of the issues you may face.
Combined with being black in American society and the issues we face and its a monster.
I never understood why we would never have an honest conversation about black people and mental health until recently.
Especially being a black man.
We are supposed to be seen as strong and unemotional,
Even given the 400+ years of bullshyt we've been through.
It's hard for me to say this, but I've had many moments in my life, where I didn't feel like continuing.
But if it wasn't for the support of my friends, family, and peers who wanted to see me going, I would of just stoppped.
I'm glad I didn't.
Thanks.