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Jan 14, 2011 04:32 PM
There is a stigma associated with mental illness that is unfair to those who suffer from it and the loved ones that go through it.
Personally, I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II mixed episodes. My goal is to educate and inform with the hopes that one day those that suffer do not walk alone nor in silence, but feel they too can be open and free. I have a blog site that I speak openly and freely about such things as this. I know that I am only one person with a voice speaking out. There are larger organizations that out speak me by volumes and maybe one day I will get there too, but until then I will carry this burden alone and continue to look for outlets to be heard. Today I am tired as if I have banged my head against a wall and wonder if its even worth it as I hit dead end after dead end, but to give up now would be giving up on the few that have come to me and shared their story. -- Leah Powell
Comments: 16
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16 Comments
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I hope that you can find courage in your triumphs over Bipolar disorder. I too have the disorder, and have found that knowledge of both my illness and my triggers have helped me grow strong in the disorder. Like any other illness, knowledge is power, and knowledge of bipolar disorder and other mental illness disorders is no exception. I hope you the best and remember, no matter what happens, keep your head up. |
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Mental illness is something that slowly very slowly getting as much awareness as cancer or diabetes has in their earlier years. I am sensitive to those who have and are experiencing some kind of mental illness and hoping that they are not suffering in silence though I believe many are because they are not qualified to diagnosis themselves and if they have family that are busy and not taking time for one another - then that one individual suffers in silence. I know because I am one of them. But I believe as women we need to be there for one another and recognize suttle changes in our friends and also be authentic with one another so that we can openly express what is going on and not keep a mask on of all is well. First step I have recently taken is to be seen by a counsellor and also been prescribed some meds and of course I put the red flag up - thinking I am not that bad, but truth is I couldn't see and I thank God that the diagnosis was not a quick one but one that was throughall and with such integrity and dignification. So here I am on a med that is giving me a sense of control. But then there is my responsiblity in this recovery process - what am I feeding my mind, body and soul with. So I have started to read a few books, one being Marianne Williamson - A course in weight loss 21 Spiritual lessons for surrendering your weight forever. ng The other book is my bible and meditating on scriptures. Then I am empowering myself by journaling my day and reflecting what I wrote the next day. These are just my tiny baby steps I have taken and slowly I know it will take some time but I will embrace this journey as I will see it as a teaching opportunity. So my beloved sisters lets empower each other with the gifts and talents we have been blessed by God our Creator and see how He will move through us all. Blessings of love and peace to you.
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From my own experience I know your body wants to recover when given the building blocks and lifestyle choices that will support your mental and physical health. My complete recovery from bipolar disorder over a decade ago was a very slow process of bringing my biochemical imbalance back into homeostasis. Over the years of faithfully taking my medication, gradually the blood tests indicated to my doctor that the medication should be lowered until one day he said I didn't need anymore. It takes years to get out of whack and can takes years to return to a balanced state. Your body's natural state is to be in balance where your body is able to produce lithium, or your thyroid gland is able to function. So much of the "mental" illness can be changed if we choose to take responsibility and make the effort. In 2012 I am committed to sharing everything that enabled me to achieve vibrant health including: - a FREE Jan telesummit here on BraveHeart called Your Vibrant Health Secrets, - a small online course including 4 FREE videos called http:/ - launching a well researched book that at the moment is called Sane Off Meds - Curing the Incurable. It made a promise to my Mum that I would not write a book or ever speak about my recovery. She wanted to protect me from the stigma against mental illness and felt I should count myself lucky and walk away. I respected her wishes, but now she's passed away, I am able to step up and offer my voice of hope and the practical steps I used to regain my equilibrium. I really doesn't matter what the dis-ease is... your body wants to get healthy if you'll only give it a chance!
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I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression and PTSD at age 14. I have stayed well for 25 years. I started on Braveheart Woman to fight for better conditions for the organization I worked for 12 years, I walked out one day. I fell bad, its been 1 year and 3 months. Trying to get strong again, I have a 16 year old disabled daughter, she cut herself because of the condition I was in. More voices are needed to speak up. Everyone I contacted would not help me get them help. I need to find myself again to help them. I feel like I lost my purpose in life, Iam going to get it back. -- Doreen Paylor |
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i am a 52yr old sexual abuse suvior and also a rape victim while serving in the army. i want to let all other female veteran's to know they dont have to suffer in silence like i did. i especially want to reach out to our current female veteran's who r now serving our country to report the abuse without fear..when i was raped i tried to report it but they did not believe me way back then so i continued to suffer in silence from then on..when i was a child i suffered sexual abuse by my father and suffered in silence again, as he told me it was a secret when i grew older i told my mom and she just could'nt believe this was going on, when she asked my dad he denied it and my mom beilieved him. i have a serious problem of confronting people now..i am currently in a women's veteran group with other's who suffered the same way-i am learning new skill's to challenge myself and also being accepted and believed the group has really been a challenge but has opened my eye's and heart. i also still have problem's of forgiveness as my dad to this day will not own up to any abuse. i know these things still accure at home and also in the military and if we as women spread the word maybe we can aleast try and provent it to continue...please help me spread the word....ty |
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BIPOLAR-Nothings colder. Than when your own brain gives you the COLD shoulder. So, as I grow older- I "just keep my head up- lil' soldier" And, I grow BOLDER. Insted of ending up, a "fold-er." I just wrote that for you & every one who could use it. I hope it helps some. Always remember, no matter what- that their IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if you can't see it yet. |
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Thank you so much for your post. Rest assure you are not alone. I have struggled with recurrent episodes of Major Depressive Disorder since childhood and during one especially bad episode I attempted suicide. I haven't had an episode in five years, but the symptoms lurk in the background and remaining in recovery requires persistence and dedication. I really appreciate your willingness to speak out and would love to share and help in any way I can. Please don't give up and please dont ever think that you are wasting your time because you never know when your efforts might become a needy soul's life preserver! God bless you! |
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I can't tell you enough how happy I was to find this. My husband suffers from a mental illness a personality disorder. And sometimes I suffer too. I don't ever have anyone to talk with or share with or even cry with about this. It is wonderful that there is others to finally do this with. Thank you so much. I so look forward to this. -- Kitty |
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 I am glad for your sharing, all of you that I have read so far actually. It has touched everyone in my life, including me. I am still not taking prescription medication for it, but I realize it was the source of my cries for help as a kid. Scary back then. Now I do my best to accept and work with that I may be more bipolar than I thought and not at the moment in a place to seek any other medication for it. I have found too, that having places to write and talk about it, safe ones, like this, provide much in the way of helping us feel ok even though mental illness still carries such a stigma with it. I hope to continue my quest and thank you all for being here. -- M J M Mareejoy |
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I'm a life-long patient of depression. I am now 52. My nineteen year old has suffered with his depression since early childhood also. Just yesterday he told me of his frustration with the "invisible" illness he has. "Mom, sometimes I feel I would rather have an obvious physical injury instead of depression...At least people would be able to see it and not just think I'm a constant whiner." Boy do I know what he means. People say "it's all in your head"...And unfortunatley it IS! |
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Yes it takes courage and hard work to heal your mind and emotions. i have labored many years with this and have found profound change in my self. Good Tx, the right meds, God,and a good support network make all the difference in the world. I have a strength and courage now I did not have before and want to share my insights and growth with others who are struggling. Never give up!- joicee |
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It takes courage to heal an injured mind. Anyone who struggles with an injured mind should be praised for their endurance and tenacity not to give up. I have been doing research on trauma and recovery for the last 8 years. Neuroscience is coming to the rescue of victims labeled mentally ill. Check out these sites: http:/ http:/ No one says, "Oh that's the broken leg person." What we may suffer from is not who we are. I have found that doing research on how the brain works and is affected by trauma helpful to me. Just as a broken bone can be mended so can our brains. Just take a look at Jill Bolte Taylors book, "A Stroke of Insight." There is help out there and a movement to reeducate the field of psychology. |
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I had my first breakdown in '98 and then, while not completely symptom-free, didn't have another breakdown until '08. After 10 years of having been misdiagnosed, in '08 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I strongly support the issue of destigmatizing mental illness and your work to do so. There are so many people living with it every day who are unable to get the care they need or the understanding and support that would help them. It's been almost three years since my last breakdown and I'm stable on my medication. Three months ago, I began the battle to combat the weight gain caused by my medication. I'm involved in a wellness program and have a wonderful, supportive coach. My life has changed exponentially. I'm working again after a two-year lapse. I have a blog where I write about my illness and also the healthy changes I've made. I'm beginning to carve out a life for myself that isn't completely overshadowed by my mental illness. Others aren't as fortunate. My wish for everyone suffering from this disease is for people to become more educated about mental illness and to help make positive changes in the system. If we speak out about mental illness instead of fostering the stigma against it, there will be hope for the future of those who suffer from it. In gratitude, Beth |
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I have just become a member of Brave Heart Women and am just starting to read through blogs and discussions. My husband suffers from depression (has since he was 16, although was never diagnosed until 5yrs ago, he is now 60). I have been his partner through all of the ups and downs, highs and lows and it has certainly been a very hard struggle for both of us in dealing with this disease. We recently found out as well that he has had 2 mini strokes in the past year and we are now dealing with trying to get his sugar and cholesterol under control, not easy when you have depression. I think finding this site is going to help me along the way as until now I have not really had any discussions with anyone in any real depth. As frustrating as things are, we keep plugging away one day at a time. My husband is involved with a self help group and leads the group alot of the times, this is helping him to deal with life a little better now, knowing there are so many other people out there like him. |
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I would encourage you to keep blogging, it might be people like me that may come across your blog. My daughter has suffered from severe depression and continues to struggle with bad sleeping patterns. I am told by some family members that she is just spoiled and not used to any type of suffering. However, no one knows what kind of pain she has gone through and what kind of pain I have experienced along with her. No one knows how hard and painful it is unless they have been through it. I think it is personal blogs that will inform and give people the courage to face these types of battles. -- Lillian |
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All of us have our challenges. Our good and bad days. What is a minus one day can be a plus another. I agree the stigma is unfair but it is a result of fear and lack of education. Keeping carrying your banner forward and by the act of being show others that the stigma is undeserved. It will help on some level even though you may not be able to see it... others will! Those large organizations started small and grew.. without that small and often frustrating start they could not be doing the work they are now! May all Blessings be with you and may you see the beauty in each day and each person! |
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