Tough times can be easier when you鈥檙e able to talk about what you鈥檙e going through and reach out for help. So D.C.-area teenagers are sharing their stories to try to help remove the stigma around mental illness and addiction.
鈥淚鈥檓 just so grateful for our D.C.-area high school cast who鈥檝e been brave enough to step forward and share their stories,鈥� said Erin Gallagher, This Is My Brave program manager.
During a Oct. 18, teens will use everything from poetry, comedy, dance and music to share personal experiences with things including grief, anxiety, depression and suicide.
鈥淲hen I found out that they were going to be hosting a show in my area, I was like, ‘I have to try out!鈥欌�� Jada Bromberg, 16, of Fairfax, said.
Bromberg was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety three years ago.
鈥淚 began self-harming, and I started having suicidal thoughts; and that鈥檚 when I knew I needed to get help,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 had to reach out to someone else because if I didn鈥檛, the alternative wouldn鈥檛 have been a good ending.鈥�
So, how鈥檚 Bromberg doing now?
鈥淚t鈥檚 something that I go through daily, trying to live with and trying to go through my day, and just do my best and be the best that I can,鈥� Bromberg said.
Participating in the show, Bromberg will be playing piano and singing a song she wrote about her experiences. As for what she and the other teens want to accomplish?
鈥淭he big accomplishment would be people not being afraid to speak up or share their story because they鈥檙e afraid of judgment,鈥� Bromberg said.
Gallagher said people should know that it鈥檚 possible to manage and live well with mental illness conditions and that it鈥檚 not uncommon to have thoughts of suicide.
鈥淥ur goal is to get people in treatment,鈥� Gallagher said. 鈥淚f [someone鈥檚] thoughts are turning toward suicide, that can be very scary. But it鈥檚 so important to find somebody to talk to.”
鈥淎sk for help. Doctors know what to do with those situations 鈥� talk therapy, there鈥檚 medication there are options to make you feel better,鈥� Gallagher said.
, in partnership with 鈥�, will be livestreamed on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m.
Throughout October,聽聽with participants of all ages will be originating from Houston, St. Louis, New Hampshire, and Hampton Roads in Virginia.
All the performances will be archived on聽聽after the initial air dates.
罢丑别听聽is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or you can text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).
People who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.
