Mental health issues will stop being a taboo once they start being perceived like any other chronic condition, such as diabetes, according to a woman with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Shirley Ann Muscat, 45, has suffered from the condition all her life, but she could only act on it when she finally spoke up and was diagnosed. "I thought I was the only one who felt that way, and I didn't dare speak up, because I was afraid I'll be made fun of, or labelled. "I spent my whole life keeping this to myself, as I thought there was something wrong with me," she told this newspaper. Diagnosed 17 years ago, Ms Muscat learnt there was nothing wrong with suffering from OCD: "No one chooses what illness they suffer from. Some have cancer, others diabetes. I have OCD." Ms Muscat was speaking to this newspaper ahead of the Richmond Foundation's annual conference on November 17, which this year will focus on mental health recovery and which she will also be addressing. As a member of the foundation's board, Ms Muscat raises awareness about living with mental health issues. She only sought help aged 28, and December marks 17 years since her diagnosis. "When I was diagnosed, I felt relieved,...
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