#shawleveryday2019 Day 15

A lot of people are afraid of taking medication for their mental illness. Some view it as a sign of weakness. Some think that because you are taking meds, you must "have it really bad." Some people are worried about the side effects - will it change who I am?

I came across this comment on Reddit this morning by /u/earlstoejam and it really resonated with me. Meds are just one more tool in your arsenal for help along the way.

"There's a ton of stigma around both therapy and mental health-related drugs. The way I've always looked at drugs is - look, imagine depression as being stuck in a big hole. Like way, way the hell down there, by yourself. Imagine someone standing at the top of the hole saying "you can get out on your own" - that's all "you can fight it on your own" and church groups are going to do. Provide some encouragement, maybe. Maybe you'll eventually be able to dig or climb you way up out of that hole on your own, sure. But sometimes medication and therapists, if you find the right one, are like someone throwing you a rope. It's still not an easy climb, and sometimes you'll still slip and fall back down a little bit, maybe - but you have a TOOL there to help you get out of the situation much faster. And sometimes that makes all the difference in the world."

​Details about this shawl
Baby Sunshine blanket pattern