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Growing Faith and Recovering after Mental Health and Addiction


BEAT STIGMA PACKAGE 1 MAY WSYX COLUMBUS
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COLUMBUS, OHIO (WSYX) Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness or addiction. But not everyone seeks help. That's why health advocates and people in recovery are trying to "Beat the Stigma" and help save lives.

"I really had a life or death situation at the end," says Angela Stella about her experience with drugs and addiction since the age of fifteen. She says she struggled for years because of mental health issues, so much so, she wanted to end her life.

"I tried one day and the good lord said to me, you can cross this line or you can stay on this side, and I chose to stay on the right side," said Stella.

That awakening has led to her to a new passion, gardening. Thanks to Comp-Drug, a recovery facility, she's now four years sober and counting, but it wasn't easy to get her.

"A lot of it for me is feeling worthless. I had lost my family, and I had lost everything important to me. It was tough asking for help, but I knew I couldn't do it myself," commented Angela.

She says, the first step is the hardest part, asking for help. Health advocates say that's because there's shame and stigma around mental health and addiction issues.

Lori Criss, Director of Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services say, "One of the things we're doing to break the stigma is really helping people, challenge on what they think they know about addiction and mental illness, so they can become more informed and understand the disease, and not as moral failings or poor choices that a person makes."

Looking back, Angela admits it took her a while to say out loud, "it's ok...not to be ok." She now says that her garden and her faith is keeping her alive, and had this to say to those who are struggling right now.

"If you're living and breathing, there's hope. Just don't give up."

If you need help or know someone who may need help, click here to learn more about mental health and addiction.

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