Polly Patin-Mellor: Tackling Mental Health Stigma Head-On
This is a disease just as if you had a heart attack or cancer or if you broke your arm. I don't like to call it a mental illness anymore. And I think it's much more helpful to do that than to say: oh, I have a mental illness, because that backs people off from you saying: oh, I have a broken mind.
Polly Patin-Mellor, a long-time member of the ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties, takes the spotlight in this episode. Polly's journey with mental health began after the birth of her son, when she was hit hard by postpartum depression. This led her to understand that her mind needed healing, much like a broken arm needs a cast.
Polly opens up about the struggles and the stigma that often accompany mental health issues, sharing how she navigated self-pity, shame, and blame to find her path to recovery. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that mental illness is not a personal failing but a condition that can be managed with the right support and resources. Polly also highlights the critical role of family and friends in the recovery process and the importance of creative outlets like writing.
Her experiences underscore the need for community understanding and empathy. If you're looking for an inspiring story that challenges the negative perceptions around mental health, Polly's candid account is a must-listen.