Stephanie Keck realized the harsh reality of the stigma surrounding mental illness in the fall of 2007. After suffering from yet another severe bout of depression, a loved one said, “Why are you depressed? Look at all of the wonderful things you have in your life; a great husband, home and job. You should just snap out of it!” It was in this moment that the Lord put in on her heart to help people understand the devastating impact of mental illness.
Although approximately 57 million Americans suffer from mental illness, most people are afraid to discuss it, including those with the disease themselves. Some individuals are nervous that they will offend the person with the illness, some are ignorant of the symptoms of the illness and believe the person to be weak or simpleminded and others are scared it is contagious like the common cold and don’t want to catch it!
Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2000, Stephanie has suffered tremendously mentally, physically, financially and socially. But, through her walk with Jesus, she is being delivered from this illness. Currently, she is working toward her Associate Pastoral License. It is her hope to educate others about mental illness and help reduce the stigma surrounding it.