Help These Women Get the Word Out: There's No Shame in Having a Mental Illness

There’s a huge stigma surrounding mental illness, yet while it’s generally not talked about openly, mental illness is actually pretty common. According to a survey Women's Health conducted with the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 78 percent of women suspect they have a mental health problem, and 65 percent have been diagnosed with one. That’s why we launched an anti-stigma campaign coinciding with Mental Health Month. (Join our #WhoNotWhat social media initiative and change your Facebook or Twitter profile pic to get on board.)

The following seven women—who are all advocates for the JED Foundation, an organization aimed at preventing suicide among college students—are speaking up with their own personal stories and opinions to create awareness.

RELATED: Which of These Women Has a Mental Illness?

“When I was younger, I thought I was the only person going through my specific struggle. But we’re all human; we all go through something. It’s not a character fault. It’s not who you are. That’s why I started Love Is Louder—to build a community for everyone who wants to feel connected and supported.

“We don’t have to make grand, broad strokes [to change the conversation on mental illness]. It’s the little things that are most impactful or most helpful. People sharing their stories and being more open makes a huge difference, because the more people do that, the more people feel safe [doing it].”

Brittany Snow is an actress and co-founder of Love Is Louder, an organization created to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood, or alone.

RELATED: My Depression Made Me Realize Just How Strong I Really Am

“I grew up in a small town. When I started having symptoms of depression, I thought I was crazy, that I was losing my mind. There wasn’t anywhere to go for help, so I turned to drugs. Eventually, I moved to New York City, and with the help of a therapist, I was able to kick the habit.

“It’s great that we’re talking more openly [about mental illness] without shame, but there still isn’t enough support everywhere. We need to make [treatment] more available and more affordable. Now I tell others: ‘Be brave. Be courageous.’ There’s nothing shameful in speaking up and asking for help.”

Dana Fuchs is a singer and JED Foundation ambassador.

“When someone is depressed, you can’t just tell them to cheer up or snap out of it. It is an actual disease. We need to take that seriously. Treating someone who is feeling insecure, depressed, and possibly suicidal like a leper is just the most backwards thinking in the world.

“If we can’t cure [mental health problems], we at least need to be able to treat them long-term. And that really does take a village. JED brings everyone to the table: pharma, science and research, psychologists, and people who have been through the experience of feeling suicidal—because everyone has something to gain from understanding the problem from a different point of view. All ships rise together.”

Stacy London is a style expert, author, and on the JED Foundation board of directors.

RELATED: My Schizophrenic Hallucinations Started When I Was 3 Years Old

“I kept my depression secret for so long. I felt really alone, like no one else was going through what I was going through. But it was amazing that when I opened up my mouth that first time and I got the courage to speak out about it, I realized a lot of people were going through the same thing.     

“I’ve thought about taking my life, and I’ve encountered a lot of people in the same situation, and [I tell them]: ‘No, you’re not alone. Your life has value. Talk to someone. There are a lot of people who will welcome you with open arms and will help you get through it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.’”

Chamique Holdsclaw is a six-time WNBA All-Star and mental health advocate. Chamique works with the JED Foundation to raise awareness around mental health, and she mentors girls through a program she runs called Mentally Driven. She recently released a documentary about her experience living with depression and being an athlete, Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw. Listen to more of her story on WH’s podcast, Uninterrupted.

“Before I became a mental health advocate, it never dawned on me the importance of just listening to peoples’ stories. There’s so much vulnerability involved in talking about a struggle with mental illness. Being able to receive someone’s story, and responding by just saying: ‘I’m grateful to you for sharing, and your story matters,’ can be huge.”

Maggie Skoch is the recipient of the JED Foundation’s 2016 Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award. Maggie is graduating from Notre Dame this month and will attend the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University this fall to pursue a career in psychiatry.

RELATED: What to Say When a Friend Confides She Has a Mental Illness

“I used to think I had to be in a perfect place in my own life to help someone else, but being an advocate for mental health means that you’re advocating even when you’re going through your own issues. Almost all of the time, people appreciate hearing your story because we’ve all been touched by mental illness.”

Margaret Kramer is the vice chair at the South Carolina Coalition for Overcoming Eating Disorders, a nonprofit that provides resources, programs, and activities for South Carolinians impacted by eating disorders. Margaret was the recipient of the JED Foundation’s 2014 Student Voices of Mental Health Award.

“My best friend in high school was at the top of our class—he seemed like nothing could touch him. Then, he was diagnosed with severe depression. I felt so unprepared to help him, and it made me realize that [mental illness] could happen to anyone. That’s why I became an advocate. In the process, I became more conscious of the ways I can better take care of myself—getting enough sleep, eating well, and handling stress. We’re all on a continuum of wellbeing.”

Sonia Doshi was the JED Foundation 2015 Student Voice of Mental Health Award recipient. Sonia is a senior at the University of Michigan and has been heavily involved with the AthletesConnected, a program that works to support and encourage help-seeking behaviors in the heavily stigmatized athletic community.