Stories
Looking Beyond Stigma
Mandy's Story: "You have a purpose. Never give up!"
We can be that beacon of light, just calling out to everyone, “Hey, step out of the dark. Do not let fear decide your choice in life.”
Stories
Looking Beyond Stigma
Paula’s Story
The worst stigma is self-stigma: the inability to love yourself, or blaming yourself, for a brain disorder that can strike anyone, no matter their race, background, job or income.
The worst stigma is self-stigma: the inability to love yourself, or blaming yourself, for a brain disorder that can strike anyone, no matter their race, background, job or income.
Hey, Laceey. It’s Laceey. This is not a prank. This is not your mom trying to make you feel better, or your dad playing some ridiculous joke on you. You know them well enough. They would never write you a letter like the one you are about to hear.
Dear Baby,
You are growing inside of me. I don’t know if you are a girl or boy but I know I love you more than I will ever be able to show. I have all of these plans for us and memories that we will make.
I am the mother of a 15-year-old girl who is funny, caring, helpful, witty, charming and … happens to have been diagnosed with epilepsy at age three.
Weighing just 2 pounds 14 ounces at birth, I began my life with many challenges – my mental health being my greatest challenge. I’ve spent my entire life trying to adapt and overcome those challenges.
I wrote this poem to express my frustration with the way that society wants to interact with my son. Often, he is treated as a collection of labels or diagnoses rather than an individual.
Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
418 West Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269.553.7120
hello @ lookbeyondstigma.org
