Tags
adventure, Advocate, bipolar, creative nonfiction, education, mental health, mental illness, schizophrenia
I’m going to the thrift store to buy a cape.
I want my cape to be long, calf length, with a little tie around the neck and a collar that stands up. If I could find something made out of grey wool, it would be perfect. Grey would match most of the things I wear. I want the cape to remind me that today, I am becoming a superhero.
I think my superhero name will be Stigma Buster.
My superhero powers will be words both spoken and written. My superhero equipment will be a tablet, a laptop, desktop computer, and a pen and notebook.
I will take this oath in front of you, and that will be my final step to accepting this superhuman role that I have been avoiding for the past twenty years. I know you didn’t bestow this great privilege upon me, I was born into it. My only hope is that I can do this job well, and not let down the millions of people who are counting on me. I know the full consequences of the position, and I am ready for my oath now. Go ahead, swear me in.
I, Rebecca, do here by commit to take on the superhero role of Stigma Buster. I promise to use all the equipment in my possession along with my superhero powers, words, to overcome stereotypes and jokes about schizophrenia where ever and whenever I encounter them. I also commit to take my medication and guard my health so I can be a successful example of someone living a “normal” life with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. I will work hard to become a writer and speaker, so other people living with the disease can look up to me as an example.
People may call me “crazy” behind my back, or even to my face. I may lose some friends and gain some enemies (even Batman had the Joker). After over two decades of hiding my diagnosis and fearing what others will think, I will take my chances.
I choose to believe people will take the side of the underdog. I choose to believe that people, when they see me, a superhero, swooping in to take a stand against stereotypes and hurtful jokes, they will join me, and thus gain some of my superhuman pixie dust that will bring joy and good will into their lives.
While I am at the thrift store, I will look for other capes, because I am hopeful that there will be an onslaught of applications for the role of Stigma Buster Sidekick. Get your pens ready, I’m taking applications now.
I am right there with you!
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Terrific!
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I think you are a fine superhero Stigma Buster and the world certainly needs you. I kid you not. Your vows are wonderful and the one about health and medication is brilliant. I genuinely feel that you are a lovely person and that you can absolutely make a difference. I can well remember a time when I was severely depressed due to some bad things going on. I came close to being sectioned and I just wanted to be out of it. People helped and I got through but I always remember. It’s a seedy dark world sometimes.and it needs bright light heroes to shine in those dark places. So get the cape and the utility belt and anything else and go to all the misunderstood people of Depressionville and help them fight the evils of ignorance, misunderstanding and indifference.
Kris.
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Thank you so much for your kindness and support!
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I wanted to let you know I just finished reading your book. Absolutely authentic and courageous writing. I look forward to sharing your book with my family and friends.
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Thank you so much! You made my night!
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You are incredibly brave. I found my way here via the Willard suitcase project. Thank you for your transparency.
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You are very brave. I came her via the suitcase project with items from Willard. Thank you for your transparency.
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Thanks for following the link and checking out my writing!
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