You Don’t Have to Be Ashamed

We are all worthy of love and respect, and it is most definitely something we deserve to receive. We should be loved and cared for because of who we are, not despite our flaws. One thing I’ve began doing is simply not being ashamed of my mental illness. Instead, I embrace it. It is part of who I am and it will be for the rest of my life.

I want to remind people that it truly is okay to have a mental illness. It doesn’t make you any less of a person or any less deserving of love. I remind others with mental illness that they aren’t alone and I hope to serve as a beacon of hope. Despite our differences, we are fighters and we are worthy.

I used to be ashamed of my mental illness and wouldn’t tell people about it. At first I was diagnosed with cyclothymia, which is akin to a lesser bipolar disorder. I used to hide it from people because I didn’t want them to label me as crazy or unstable. Then I was diagnosed with bipolar one and I became even more ashamed.

See, the stigma and stereotypes that surround bipolar disorder made me feel even more crazy and filled with issues. AT least with cyclothymia, not many people knew what it was. They didn’t really think anything of it. With bipolar disorder, I would surely be labeled as a problem.

I hid my disability from job applications for fear of being rejected because of it. I kept it from my friends because I didn’t want them to think I wasn’t worthy of their love and attention anymore. I kept it from my family because I didn’t want them to think they had done something wrong.

I finally found people who loved and accepted me even though I was bipolar. Some of them dealt with similar illnesses and struggled to talk about it for my same reasons. Some of the people I learned to trust would go as far as to research and look for ways to help me be more comfortable with them. I found people who loved me, for me.

Remember, your circle influences how you feel. If you’re surrounded by people you feel like you can’t be yourself around, then maybe its time to reevaluate your friendships and find the ones who truly care. Open up to them. If they leave, you didn’t need them anyways.

I’m always an email or DM away from anybody who needs a friend. I will always be there to make sure nobody feels alone around me. It’s about comforting people and making them feel welcome and accepted. That is what we, as human beings, should be doing for one another.

Published by Tyler Wittkofsky

Step into the captivating world of Tyler Wittkofsky, an extraordinary talent hailing from North Carolina's enchanting southern coast. As a multi-genre maestro, Tyler weaves tales that sweep you into unforgettable adventures. Beyond his writing prowess, he's a fervent podcaster, mental health advocate, and travel blogger. With his wife Grace and furry companions Dutch and Belle, Tyler embarks on awe-inspiring journeys across the US, chronicled on the enthralling blog "Adventure With Coffee." Tyler's literary repertoire includes the touching novella "(Not) Alone," inspired by true events on mental health struggles, and the debut romance "The Seeds of Love: Sunflower Kisses Book One," navigating love's complexities through a mentally ill protagonist. His emotionally charged poetry collection "Coffee, Alcohol, and Heartbreak" draws from four transformative years. Collaborating with Kelsey Anne Lovelady, "Enamored Echoes Book 1: Potent" marked his fantasy co-authorship debut. As a beacon of hope, Tyler shares his mental health journey on www.TylerWittkofsky.com. He co-hosts the Cook the Books podcast, delving into writing and publishing. He also leads Tea With Coffee Media, spotlighting untold stories via his indie publishing company. Not just a creative, Tyler excels as an award-winning marketing pro, recognized with accolades like Wilmington Biz Journal's Top 100 award. In 2020, he launched The Wittkofsky Company, a non-profit digital marketing and PR firm for positive global impact. Join Tyler's journey on social media @TylerWittkofsky, and explore his work at https://linktr.ee/tylerwittkofsky for an inspiring rollercoaster of emotion and unforgettable stories.

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