From Shame to Advocacy

BY MARGARET STUTT

At the time that I discovered The Stability Network, I worked at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and was extremely private about my health history. I found no reason to disclose the fact that I actively manage a mental health diagnosis because I had a reputation in the office for being reliable and high functioning. I didn’t want my colleagues to second guess my ability or capacity for work, or worse, be discriminated against and risk not being considered for a promotion. Then, I read an article in a UCSF news bulletin about mental health and stigma and was inspired by the profile of Brandon Chang, a postdoctoral fellow diagnosed with schizophrenia and an Associate Professor who thrived with a diagnosis of bipolar. They were living proof that there is a community of people out there who successfully manage mental health conditions– even thrive professionally.

The fact that UCSF was promoting an article that celebrated two of its staff members in this way made me reconsider the assumptions I had about my employer. I began to realize that my privacy and shame did nothing to assertively counter the damaging narrative regarding mental health conditions– it only reinforced isolation and all of the barriers that keep people from getting help when they need it. I began immersing myself in Brene Brown’s TEDTalks on shame and vulnerability, podcasts, and books. I started to embrace a more self-accepting, empathetic and courageous outlook and bringing my whole self to work. UCSF’s celebration of diversity, including invisible disabilities, made me feel welcome and celebrated for my unique perspective and resiliency. 

How can we create more inclusive and safe spaces — for ourselves, our colleagues, friends and family? How can we appreciate our different experiences and promote acceptance and understanding of the challenges we’ve been through that bring us to today? Mental health has been a source of shame, secrecy and isolation for too long. It’s time we start facing the real challenges people face and as a community, responding with hope, support, resources and respect. My recovery story is one of many, and I’m sharing it because of UCSF’s decision to shed some light on the topic and build community. How will you shed light for others?

As a recording artist and philanthropy professional, Margaret Stutt values storytelling as a means for empowering others. With a career and spiritual practice anchored in gratitude, her goal is to use her voice to foster connection, hope, and a sense in an individual’s potential to make a difference in the world. She credits her involuntary psychiatric hospitalization and diagnosis as being the “reset button” that provided her with the self-knowledge and tools to live a more fulfilling life. “Hitting rock bottom is one of the best things that happened to me. Yes, it was extraordinarily painful and requires ongoing vigilance, but it also catalyzed profound growth and an appreciation for small wonders. Receiving a diagnosis better positioned me to thrive and accomplish my goals.”