Embracing Truth: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

Jessica Nile Brunelle
2 min readMay 4, 2024

In a world where “crazy” often gets confused with mental illness, it’s time to redefine our perspectives. I’ve personally grappled with this, questioning my sanity more times than I can count. But my therapists always offered a comforting reminder: acknowledging one’s struggles is a sign of clarity, not craziness.

Living with mental illness means seeing the world through a unique lens, one that’s both honest and sensitive. It’s about confronting our truths, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Therapy becomes a sanctuary, guiding us to unearth the roots of our emotions and confront repressed memories with courage.

Yet, society often shies away from these conversations, dismissing therapy as taboo or labeling those who seek help as “crazy.” But here’s the truth: there’s immense strength in vulnerability. Those of us navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more, are warriors in our own right, equipped with the tools to face reality head-on.

So, let’s challenge the stigma. Let’s celebrate therapy not as a sign of weakness, but as an act of self-care and empowerment. Let’s embrace honesty, understanding, and compassion. Together, we can create a world where mental health isn’t whispered about in hushed tones but discussed openly and without judgment.

Because in the end, there’s no “normal” to aspire to — only the courage to be true to ourselves.

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Jessica Nile Brunelle

Screenwriting visceral character-driven dramas/dramedies about tragic and emotionally damaged characters who find peace and hope.