You talk openly (without whispering) on taboo subjects related to mental illness, addiction, suicide or grief
You lost a loved one to suicide and get out of bed every morning
You lost loved one to overdose and manage to brush your teeth daily
You lost a child to any cause of death and you joined a support group
Thoughts of suicide are something you live with and you have reached out for help
You survived a suicide attempt and went back to school or work
You have a mental illness and you have a job (any job)
You are in recovery from addiction and you have a place to live
Talking about these topics makes you supremely uncomfortable but you do it anyway
You are currently using but reaching out for help to find recovery
You had the guts to start or join a mental wellness group at your school
You have the guts to stand up and share your story
You’ve taken any mental health or suicide prevention training
You started a support group or offer peer-to-peer support
If you give back and volunteer for a nonprofit focused on any of these topics
You are not afraid of crying in front of another human being
You are a veteran or LGBTQ and shown the courage to talk to someone about thoughts of suicide
Despite multiple relapses, you keep going back into recovery
Say, “I love you,” to a family member who suffers from mental illness including addiction
You have listened with empathy to a friend who is hurting
You had to tell someone that a friend was thinking of suicide
Random acts of kindness are part of your DNA
A sunset is something you savor even if you have suffered any or all of the above
You have ever shared, commented, or written a post for emotionally naked
You’ve ever worn your emotionally naked shirt in public and boldly answered the question, “What is emotionally naked?”
Are you an emotionally naked badass?
Then you need to sign up for our mailing list because we are now in the thousands and our voices will continue to get louder and stronger and drown out stigma. Be part of the reason it no longer exists.
Hi. Forgive me for my ignorance but I’m not sure if I got it right. What is an “emotionally naked badass”? Is it the way that other people see and think about the “emotionally naked”, a negative judgement? I’m a little confused.
Yours sincerely
Christian Mai Rodrigues
Emotionally naked means being vulnerable. Allowing yourself to feel and to express those feelings. But it’s not negative. The name of the blog is emotionally naked and I started it after my son’s death by suicide and started writing on this blog, basically making it an online journal. It was very uncomfortable.
If you have struggled with addiction, mental illness, thoughts of suicide or had a loved one who did or lost a loved one and you’ve done even one of the items on the list, I want people to celebrate and give themselves credit. This journey is very hard and much of what we face here is very difficult. Someone else’s addiction or mental illness, our in facing our own losses. Does that help? Thank you for asking. Feel free to keep asking questions if I’ve not made it clear.
Um Hi,
So my friend started cutting and her boyfriend told the office at our school. She had to leave for the office during 7th period and came back at 8th during study hall crying. She told me what happened and that she hated her boyfriend. They almost broke up. She had to leave when 8th period was almost over. When school was over she texted me they had made up, but she now has to go to therapy every Monday. I don’t know how to be supportive. I wanted to tell her that I have to go to therapy for certain things that happen that give me panic attacks but that just seems annoying.
Norah – First I think that boyfriend did something very brave. I know it was hard for him but he did it out of concern. And I think it would be fine for you to share that fact to open up conversation. I go to therapy too is a way to start. Just say you are willing to listen. Human connection helps the other person and it helps you. The more face to face time you spend with others instead of on the phone is very healthy. So you are on the right track and you sound like an understanding and empathetic friend.
Dear Ann
Senator Creigh Deeds of Charlottesville VA won a settlement for the death of his son at his family home : no one in his hometown/ area had a psyc hospital bed available That night the dear son of Senator Deeds was homicidal / suicidal Senator Deeds lost his son to suicide and nearly his own life
You may be familiar with the story ?
Senator Deeds has made legislative changes to make sure this never happens to another Virginian
He and I have met. He has commented here although I feel sure he doesn’t know me. I am familiar with his story and love what a champion for mental health he has become in terms of policy. That is a weakness for me and glad someone knows the system.
Yep! I am an emotional badass! I wear with pride.
We love that about you!