Rep. Sheryl Cole: Why I'm taking a walk to end the stigma of mental illness

The public's perception of mental illness, rooted in misunderstanding, often keeps me from telling my story. I haven't been comfortable talking publicly about my mental health. In the past, I've only shared my bipolar diagnosis when I felt I was in a safe space, such as at a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) event or with a veterans group. But I'm sharing my story now to inspire others to speak up about mental health and to help end the stigma and shame unfairly associated with mental illness.

I'll be honest about the doubts that raced through my mind when it was hard to open up. On the campaign trail - would the voters still trust me to deliver? Or in the Texas Legislature - would my colleagues understand my Unquiet Mind? (I've woken up folks with phone calls they tell me are just way too early!)

Twenty percent of children between the ages of 13 and 18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness. Over 40 million adults will experience mental illness this year, according to the NAMI, and about 2.6% of adults in the United States - like me - live with bipolar disorder.

Misconceptions about these conditions often prevent people from speaking up and seeking help. According to NAMI, approximately 60 percent of adults with a mental illness don't receive any mental health services. African Americans and Hispanic Americans used mental health services at about half the rate of whites in the past year, and Asian Americans at about one-third the rate.

I went through some dark times after I was first diagnosed - actually, first I was misdiagnosed because a doctor wrongly considered my race. Some people questioned if I was tough enough to get through this because I'm a woman. And, some questioned if I could be intelligent living with a disability. Losing my boys, or seeing them split up, was truly my greatest fear.

When you hit your rock bottom, you really don't think you'll be able to get up from it again. When compounded by mental health issues, any stressor -- losing a job, serious illness, a death in the family -- can seriously set you back. But instead of succumbing to my fears, I was able to make them my great motivator. I rose up from my rock bottom, but I had help in the form of healthcare, education about my diagnosis, and a supportive family.

I know the importance of treatment, medication, and a real circle of care. I know how much it can turn your life around to get the help you need, when you need it. For some, getting the treatment they need can get their lives back on track. For others, it will be the first time they feel like their life is even on a track. Mental illness affects everyone differently, which is why we need a robust support structure to help treat and manage even the toughest situations. And, we need to know we're not alone.

I'm proud to say that with the right treatment and support, I've made it. I wasn't comfortable talking publicly about my mental health, but now, I'm not going back. But what about people who are facing their mental health alone? Or those that can't afford the necessary treatment?

This is why I must talk. And, on Saturday, September 28, why I must walk. I hope everyone will join me for the largest stigma-busting mental health awareness event in Central Texas, NAMIWalks. This annual walk supports the work of NAMI Central Texas, which provides free mental health programs that help thousands of people each year.

I'm proud to be this year's NAMIWalks Honorary Walk Chair. Join me, and take steps toward changing the mental health conversation and ending the stigma, together.

Cole represents Austin in Texas House District 46.

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