The stigma surrounding mental health has prevented many from seeking help and being honest about their struggles, which is alarming considering that mental disorders affect one in four people. As a result people living with mental disorders are deprived not only of qualities that define a “quality” life, but the prejudice they’re subjected to adds to a sense of exclusion and shame.
It’s therefore reassuring and inspiring to see Lena Dunham openly challenge the negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding women with mental illness. In a series of Instagram posts, Dunham opened up about mental health and psychiatric medication – which has become increasingly normal, and for many a necessity.
Her first post was a picture of her taking psychiatric medication, with the caption “Can I live?” Her next post was a screenshot from the film “Valley of the Dolls”. “Lately I’ve been noticing that nearly every pop cultural image we see of a woman on psychiatric medication is that of an out-of-control, exhausting and exhausted girl who needs help. But guess what? Most women on meds are women who have been brave enough to help themselves”. She began.
“It’s important that we see normalizing portrayals of people, women, choosing to take action when it comes to their mental health. Meds didn’t make me a hollowed out version of my former self or a messy bar patron with a bad bleach job. They allowed to really meet myself. I wish that for every lady who has ever struggled. There’s really no shame. Night, dolls”.
#Peace.Love.LenaDunham
