I recently had what Oprah would call a “come to Jesus moment”. It’s when I stopped and reflected upon everything that I am doing with I Press On. Why am I doing this? Who am I doing it for? What do I expect to come from my efforts? In short, I did some serious self-reflection to help refocus and reenergize I Press On. Here is what I discovered (rediscovered).
Why am I doing this?
I come across so many people who don’t want to be attached to I Press On because they don’t want people to think they have depression. They don’t want to be associated with depression in any way. It’s hard to alleviate the stigma when people who’ve never had depression are afraid to publicly support those of us who have. I’ve got to break down the myths, stereotypes, and fear associated with mental health. I have to continue this conversation. I have to make people a bit uncomfortable about their biases. I have to put a face to depression and postpartum depression.
Who am I doing this for?
Of course, I want to be a support for people who have experience with depression. But I’m not doing this solely for them. I’ve started a movement. A successful movement can’t be completely homogenous. There must be many different types of people from different types of backgrounds bringing different kinds of experiences. With that said… I’m doing this for everyone. For people who have experience with depression, for their family, for their loved ones, for employers, for religious leaders. I promise you, there is someone in your life who has been touched by depression. So everyone needs to be more educated, more aware and especially more tolerant. This movement if for everyone!
What do I expect?
I expect this movement to grow. I expect that each time someone sees the I Press On logo, they will recognize the platform to which it is attached. I want people to know that they are not alone. I expect for I Press On supporters to refer people with depression, or people who have questions about depression to me. I expect to be considered a resource. Not a substitute for medical professionals, but a co-partner. And more importantly a resource for those who aren’t ready to seek medical help. I want to be there to guide them to the right services they need. I want to walk with them on their journey as they come to terms with what it means to have depression.
I Press On has a lot to offer. I will be posting a list and explanation of services in upcoming posts. In the meantime, please know that I am here for you, and let’s press on together!