Mental Health

Statement on Mental Health & Self-Definition

We all have issues that we are dealing with.

Mental illness affects many people. It’s real. It’s hard. And it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

But it’s a path that I choose not to let define me.

I am achieving my goals and dreams — writing one chapter a day, speaking, pursuing a PhD as the first in my family, launching a nonprofit for women’s independence. From shelter to scholar. From cocoon to butterfly.

If I see a doctor, if I talk to a therapist that isn’t the world’s business. That’s between me, my doctors, my therapists, and protected by HIPAA. My health is private. My progress is public.

Mental health is part of my story, but it is not the whole story.

I am not my diagnosis. I am not my past. I am not my setbacks.

I am a writer. I am a speaker. I am a PhD candidate. I am a woman rebuilding at 51, soon to be 52, in my golden years.

I am becoming a butterfly.

And I want every woman still in her cocoon to know: You can struggle and still soar. You can heal and still lead. You can be in process and still be powerful.

Teeth and all. Curls and all. Curves and all. Healing and all.

— Cathryn M. Harris