The pledge is two-pronged: on one side, those living with with mental illness acknowledge themselves as valuable and capable, and on the other side, community members promise to educate themselves and others in the movement to eliminate stigma.
I signed the pledge last week, and it was a nice reminder to be kind to myself as I experience the worst self-esteem I've had since the onset of puberty (yes, grad school reminds me of the sixth grade). These days I'm mindfully trying to prevent downward spirals by seeking out the company of old friends (with whom I can just be, versus having to worry about making a good impression), trying a new way of exercise (Nia, an interesting combo of dance, martial arts, and yoga), and letting others take care of me (i.e. letting the bf cook and feed me balanced meals). Going back to school has been a bigger adjustment than I expected and I hear that keeps getting tougher, but hopefully I can become just as tough.
Please note that whenever I write about my personal struggle with depression, I don't do it for sympathy (though support is appreciated) but to put a face to mental illness--to show that it's very real but also treatable and manageable. And if I can help create community and assure others that they are not alone, then, well, that's what we needed and wanted.
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