Francesca
Francesca
I see this condition as part—not all—of who I am
Francesca is a person with bipolar disorder. Although she has lived with this condition for 42 years, at this stage in her life she refuses to be defined by her condition.
Mental health struggles can happen to anyone. I now see this condition as part—not all—of who I am.
Francesca is many things. Over the course of her life, she has worked as a missionary, a retail salesperson, a plus-size model, a campaign volunteer, and a bilingual social worker.
She is also someone who loves movies, writing poetry, reading, art, dance, and basketball.
Unfortunately, shame and fear concerning her condition have, at times, prevented her from enjoying her life.
There is an element of self-stigma. For example, early on, I was so ashamed that when my poem about my mental health condition was to be published, I would not allow my name to be used, so the author was ‘Anonymous.’
Francesca has come a long way. A suicide attempt at a young age led her to seek treatment with a psychiatrist.
With the support of her family and an ongoing commitment to care, she is now managing her condition.
Francesca would love to inspire others to get the help they need and fight feelings of shame and negative self-views that can stand in the way of happiness.
“Don’t ever give up on yourself. I did not give up on myself because, even in my worst episodes, I held on to a sense of purpose.”
People with mental health conditions need to be assessed for self-stigmatizing behaviors and specifically counseled on how to avoid them.
A holistic approach/perspective for provider and client can develop insight and self-understanding.
Francesca calls for more love, compassion, and acceptance in the ways that the health care system approaches mental health.
I’m tired of the stereotypes. Persons with mental health conditions not only need to be accepted across the board, they need support to reach their full potential while living with whatever their mental health condition is.
For those who are struggling with self-stigma, Francesca has a simple piece of advice.
Don’t ever give up on yourself. I did not give up on myself because, even in my worst episodes, I held on to a sense of purpose.
I have 10 nieces and nephews and two great-nieces and one great-nephew. They, along with the professional and volunteer contributions I have been able to make despite my condition, gave and give me a sense of purpose.
Francesca has dedicated her participation in this campaign to her siblings and her deceased parents.
