Community Stories

Sarah: Free from Silence


Support our Nonprofit Magazine!

Before you start reading... There has never been a time when our community and content was needed more. Unlike other sites, we don't publish sponsored content or share affiliate links. We also don’t run ads on our site and don’t have any paywalls in front of our content–-anyone can access all of it for free.

This means we rely on donations from our community (people like YOU!) to keep our site running. We want to be here to support you all through this pandemic and beyond, which is why we are asking you to consider donating whatever you are able.

A single (or monthly) donation of just $5 will make a HUGE difference and will help keep our nonprofit running so we can continue offering peer support for mental health through our content.

 

BECOME A MONTHLY PATRON


I have always been a very quiet person. As far back as I can remember, teachers have told me I had to speak up more, but it was always very difficult for me to speak at a volume that people could hear.

Sarah: Free from Silence | Libero

During a particularly horrible period of my depression, my silence grew worse, and I lost my voice.

I remember sitting in my classes, feeling trapped inside my body and completely unable to talk. I remember several therapy sessions where I would have to have a whole conversation by writing on paper, unable to say even the simple words “I feel sad.”

I have lived with silence in more ways than one.

I have also lived with the silence and shame that stigma brings. For so long, I was scared to let anyone know that I was struggling. The first time that I was hospitalized for my depression, I told my roommates that I had the flu.

This year I joined a club, Active Minds, which works to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental illness. But I realized, how can I raise awareness and reduce stigma while being silent about my own experience? So I will say it: I have struggled with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm, and I continue to struggle every day.

But these days the silence rarely takes over me, and I am also free from the silence of stigma.

I am capable of having a voice, and I am worthy of having a voice.


SITE DISCLAIMER: The opinions and information shared in any content on our site, social media, or YouTube channel may not represent that of Libero Network Society. We are not liable for any harm incurred from viewing our content. Always consult a medical professional before making any changes to your medication, activities, or recovery process. Libero does not provide emergency support. If you are in crisis, please call 1-800-784-2433 or another helpline or 911.

Subscribe!

Become a Patron

Support our nonprofit magazine by becoming a monthly patron!