MEET HANNAH!

Hi! I'm Hannah. I have PTSD and I struggle with anxiety and depression. I take meds, go to therapy, practice yoga & have been known to self-soothe with mini powdered donuts. 

I have struggled with symptoms of mental illness for as long as I can remember. I felt sad for no reason, anxious in public and worried like it was my full time job. I had no clue what was going on, and sought help from doctors, therapists and fast food. 

I was misdiagnosed at 10 and then re-diagnosed at 30. It wasn't until I reached my current diagnosis that I had answers and understanding as to what was going on with my body & mind. 

I was mortified to discover I had PTSD, because generally speaking, there is a misconception that only war veterans or people who fit a specific set of characteristics could fit that diagnosis. I later learned in therapy and through my work with my doctor that trauma plagues millions of people, many of which who are completely unaware of the effects it has on their general health. 

I was so worried I would be judged for my diagnosis, I hid it from most people in my life, including those I was close with. In hind-sight I was doing a great disservice to myself and my healing. I assumed if I told anyone I was suffering, they would view me as weak, unreliable and unfit to be their friend. 

Once I began to become more comfortable with myself and felt less shameful, I began to open up to others. I was in shock by the amount of people who expressed they themselves were also dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, worry, fear, sadness and hurt. I began to feel less shameful and more empathetic. 

I thought, if we're all dealing with this, why is there such a stigma attached to mental health? The belief that people are weak and incapable if they suffer from mental illness is ubiquitous within our culture. No one speaks about it because they are worried about being judged (myself included). 

I started to wonder what would happen if I treated it like other common illnesses'. I don't take meds because I'm "crazy" or "incapable" but rather because I'm strong and resilient. I take them because there's a valid purpose and by taking care of myself I'm respecting myself. 

I started looking for products that would make my experience with daily mental health practices feel less clinical. I didn't find much. 

That's when I decided to start Stableish. I wanted to make products that make taking pills, practicing self-care, self-compassion and monitoring symptoms feel less daunting and more fun. We're all trying the best we can, and I think that deserves an award. So I made them. Literally. 

Life is a dumpster fire a lot of the time. Regardless of any diagnosis. Why make life harder by judging other people for their experience in the world when most everyone is experiencing the same thing. 

I want to hear about your story! I love talking to others who are fighting everyday to take care of themselves and becoming more empathetic and understanding to mental health. Find me on instagram @stableish. If you're lucky I might even share your story with my therapist. Or we could discuss it over powdered donuts. Your choice.