‍We can all be self-conscience, intimidated, and even fearful of what other people think about us. Especially when it comes to openly discussing a mental illness with coworkers or, heaven forbid, a boss. In this article, we'll look at how to find strength, grow in faith, and walk confidently, despite what the world says about mental illness.

When most people think of the word “alone,” to them, it means just that, alone, solo, by myself. For those who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, alone has a way deeper meaning behind it.

Alone can be in a room full of friends, coworkers, or even family, for that matter. It’s a tough place to be. Carrying the invisible elephant in the room isn’t easy; it only gets heavier with time.

I have to be honest, though; I never had the opportunity to hold the elephant. Why? Because my psychotic break happened at work. In front of almost everyone! Sound mortifying?

It was!

In actuality, though, it was more embarrassing as it played over and over in my head during my weeks of recovery at home. I was anxious to return to work but worried about what my coworkers might think of me now. There’s no going back from some things, and I figured that was one of them.

When I returned, I spent weeks walking on eggshells, not because of anything anyone else did or said but because I was a prisoner of my own mind. Everyone’s being friendly, but are they worried I will flip again like a ticking time bomb? The first time it happened, I had no control over it. What if it does happen again, and I don’t see it coming?

The list of what-ifs goes on and on, and as it grows, so does the anxiety and isolation. Even though my mental illness was revealed to my coworkers with the subtlety of being shot out of a cannon, I can still relate to the awkwardness and alone in the workplace.

So how did my story unfold? I began talking openly with all my coworkers about what happened mentally, physically, and emotionally. As I did, I started accepting myself, my diagnosis, and how my future would look; because of how I chose to see it and live it. You’ll be surprised how many people genuinely want to understand where you at, how you’re doing, and how they can help.

The key is learning to accept yourself first because it will be impossible for others to accept you if you don't. Not because they don’t want to, but because you won’t let them get close enough.

^{If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness:}

Take some steps to find your footing again:

· Take time to heal and accept yourself for who you are.

· Be open to sharing your daily challenges with friends and coworkers.

· It’s okay not to be okay sometimes; just don’t stay there.

· Being a light for someone else will also brighten your day.

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^{If you know and love someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness:}

Here are a few things we'd like you to know:

· The most important things you can do are listen and love.

· If we can’t understand why our moods or actions are how they are, it will be much harder for you. We have professionals in our corner for diagnosing. We need you to be a friend.

· We don’t need pity, we need encouragement.

· We’re not trying to make life harder for those around us; some days, we’re just trying to survive.

· We don’t always thank you enough, but you being present is more powerful than words. So thank you for being there.

Mental illness does not define us. The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. If the heart, lungs, and various other parts of the body all misfunction at some point in some people, why is the brain any different? The short answer, it’s not. I believe that the more we talk openly about our diagnosis, experiences, hopes, and dreams, the stigma surrounding mental illness will take a backseat as more people become educated.

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