My name is Maggie Goodman, the creator of Uplift, and I have suffered for years from depression and suicidal tendencies. I'm choosing to be open about my illness because not enough people are. It's something that has become so hush-hush and stigmatized, that people are afraid to come out and own it. It seems contradictory to me, and this is why I made this page. People are afraid to talk about their mental illness, and yet the most effective therapy for someone with a mental illness is just that--to talk about it. To get it out of their system. To feel like they are not alone. To know that there are other people like them. To understand that people are rooting for them and support them. We need to get rid of the stigma that mental illness is something to be ashamed of, because it really isn't. Many of the strongest people I know have suffered from mental illness and have gone on to live the most wonderful and inspiring lives. My hope for this page is to create an online community of people who suffer from mental illness, people who think they may suffer from mental illness, as well as people who support the cause and want to show their love for those who suffer from mental illness. This page is intended for members to share their feelings, offer support for one another, and give ideas for how they are Uplifting their lives and, in turn, Uplift each other. This can be through pictures, videos, songs, quotes, goal-sharing, or just writing a simple post—any medium you’d like is welcome. It can also either be anonymous or, if you'd like to give a name and age, you are absolutely free to do so. There is no pressure or judgment either way you choose. I ask that the people in this group simply respect the posts of others, be supportive and encouraging, and keep in mind that we are all in this together. Welcome to Uplift, and thank you in advance for Uplifting each other. :-)
Best,
Maggie
