Many people feel a need to hide their mental health struggles. Why? Because in today’s society, there is still a stigma that goes along with admitting you have a mental health struggle. That’s why even though I still struggle Every. Single. Day. with my mental health, I have decided to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves—to speak up about my struggles in the hopes that it may help one person not feel alone or help them to reach out for help themselves.
When I first realized I needed to find help, that I was in a dark place and I couldn’t help myself on my own, I felt ashamed. I didn’t want anyone to know that I was going to therapy once a week, or that I was struggling and couldn’t help myself.
After about a year of therapy, I knew I was making progress because I realized that I had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. My husband and I were dealing with the fact that we lost a pregnancy and that we would never have children of our own. Knowing I would never hear the word “Mom” literally broke me. Our whole plan for our lives was put into a whirlwind of “what now?” Along with all the other struggles I was dealing with, it was a very rough time (and still is, on occasion).
There are so many people in this world going through their own struggles alone and should not be ashamed of it. 1 in 5 people in this world are dealing with that same thing—possibly more. There is nothing to be ashamed of. I saw my therapist weekly and if it wasn’t for her, I have no clue where I would be. So, I will shout to the world that THERAPY IS AMAZING!!
It was my therapist who got me to try running, which is how I discovered Still I Run. I had literally found my tribe—people who were struggling just like myself through a world of issues but together we were the same. We used running to help us through our struggles and we wanted to share with others how amazing it can be.
We all understood that there was no shame in our collective struggles, and we knew we were in a safe place to support and encourage each other whether it was that we had a great or bad run, or we were in a dark place and couldn’t get out for a run. No matter what, we all support one another.
When I had the opportunity to become a Still I Run Ambassador, I jumped at the chance. I had already started to use my Instagram account to share about my struggles and my running journey and this was the perfect platform to sing the praises of this organization as well.
I felt so honored and excited when I was chosen in 2023 and yet again in 2024. Being a part of the Still I Run community has helped me in ways I really can’t describe in words. Before I knew it, I realized that I was advocating for mental health, and I’m now getting the chance to run on behalf of Still I Run at the Chicago Marathon. A few years ago, if you had told me that I would have said no way!
I am comfortable sharing my story now because I felt so alone for the longest time. I didn’t want to bring people down and I felt like they wouldn’t understand. I realize now that I have the chance to share and advocate for those who can’t and help those who are going through what I did.
I really had no idea the impact my little Instagram account would have. I have had complete strangers from all over the world contact me to say that what I shared has had an impact on their lives. Seeing the openness, strength, and growth I have had is inspiring.
I have one friend who knew she needed help for a long time but was so afraid to ask for it. She told me that after seeing all my posts and how far I had come, it gave her the courage to tell her doctor how she was feeling. I was so proud of her for reaching out and having the strength and courage to tell me about it. She said it might be a long while before she thinks about running but is happy she is finally getting the help she needs. We both laughed at the running part, but I still think one day I will convince her to go for a run with me!
If I had not found Still I Run, become an ambassador, and been chosen to run with Team Still I Run at the Chicago Marathon, I am not sure if I would have made the impact I have. I am not sure I would have continued to share my journey as much because I wouldn’t have been supported by such amazing people who were also going on the same journey.
Advocating for Mental Health was never something I thought I would have been capable of or would be doing. Thanks to Still I Run, I have the ability and support to do so even in my little way and I am so thankful for it. If sharing my story can help one person, then being open and honest is totally worth it. You never know who is out there listening and following and who may be struggling, and you don’t even know it. I will continue to share my journey, advocate for mental health, and be there to listen or help anyone who needs it for as long as I can.
