Even after hearing it years ago, I still maintain that the tale of how my paternal grandparents met is the best story I have ever heard. Their serendipitous first encounter on a ship bound for Germany, their nights together on the deck talking under the stars, and their first dance together never cease to warm my heart and fill me with wonder. Stories like this are told for all sorts of reasons. Some preserve years and years of culture and tradition, others serve to draw laughs and teasing, while still others give valuable wisdom or even summon tears to your eyes. But some stories don’t lend themselves to being as easily told as others.
Summoning up the willpower to be vulnerable about one’s mental health issues can be a daunting prospect for anyone, regardless of how open you are with your emotions. The fear of judgment, of labeling, of exclusion leads many to keep their struggle a secret; after all, no one understands what you’re going through other than you. Or no one would care, even your closest friends. Or, perhaps, you don’t feel like you have anyone at all. College is a period of change, and for many a time of constant worry and isolation. But this doesn’t mean you have to bear the burden of that change, that worry, that isolation all on your own. The story of your journey with mental health and illness can be just as impactful and valuable as the revered tales we hold close to our hearts.
This is the very reason why In Our Own Words is Active Minds’ signature event at Notre Dame; it’s an opportunity to share these stories and become a part of one another’s mental health journey in the process. I can attest that In Our Own Words my sophomore year was one of the first times I was really vulnerable in college and felt a deep personal connection to my classmates; I rate it as one of the most impactful experiences in my time at Notre Dame. Whether you have grappled with mental illness for as long as you can remember, just hit your first bump in the road at college, or never experienced these kinds of struggles, all are welcome to come listen to others and share their own perspectives. Changing the conversation around mental illness is a key tenet of Active Minds’ mission, and the first step toward eradicating stigma. So carve out some time, bring a friend, and come ready to listen with an open heart, an inquisitive mind, and a willingness to ask ourselves why we think about mental health the way we do.
Please feel free to submit to IOOW.