VIDEO – FORWARD THINKING –

May 17, 2022 – “A lot of it, for me, was feeling worthless,” she said. “I had lost my family, I had lost everything important to me. It was tough asking for help but I knew I couldn’t do it myself.”

Health advocates said the first step, asking for help, is the hardest. They said there is a shame and a stigma around mental health and addiction. “One of the things we’re doing to break the stigma is really helping people challenge what they think they know about addiction and mental illness so they can be more informed and understanding.”

Stella said it took her a while to say out loud “it’s ok not to be ok.” She said her garden and her faith are keeping her alive. She had this to say to those who are struggling: “If you’re living and breathing, there’s hope. Don’t give up,” she said.

more@ABC6