Reclaiming Eden at the National Summit to End Stigma 2024
Stop Stigma Together aims to break down the barriers associated with mental health stigmas (structural, social, and self), promote understanding and empathy, and provide a supportive environment for organizations and individuals across the country. (from stopstigmatogether.org)
At the National Summit to End Stigma, Reclaiming Eden functioned as a space for the conference community to contemplate mental health in a reflective environment, reducing stigma through open discussion and vulnerability. By sharing truths about my own mental illness, therapy, and medication, I aimed to normalize conversations on common experiences, promoting acceptance on self and public stigma levels.
During this event, I connected with many people inside the installation, sharing the pain, joy, and growth in our experiences. I was amazed by the vulnerability and I feel grateful to those who spoke so openly with me. The conference participants were united with the goal of stopping stigma, and my story was not only accepted, but embraced.
