Mental Illness and Loved Ones

       
             (I took this picture and it reminds me I'm not perfect but still beautiful)

I have started to open the dialog on the topic of how to “be” there for someone who is battling with mental illnesses. It is not an easy situation for either side. I have decided to take some time and focus on what the other side looks like. Not just about what I face and deal with but what some individuals who decided they were going to push back just as hard as I tried to push them away. It takes more than just saying you’ll be there for someone who fights mental illness. It takes dedication, determination, motivation, and commitment. The struggles they face are real and it’s not easy being on the that side either. 


I did a video from my perspective and the battle I go through by not being able to reach out.  Two Sides to the Story (link)


Now I’m taking a few weeks and having some individuals help me reveal what life is and was like for them while I’ve been fighting the hardest battle in my life. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them stepping out and doing this. I know it may be out of their comfort zones. However, I think that shows even more how much support and love they have and continue to give me. They want to help me on my quest for healing and educating. I can honestly say that I would not be alive today if it was not for the perseverance of them. 


The first video is posted from my niece. Please take time to listen.   Refilling Her Cup (link)


Here is a great article on “15 Ways To Support A Loved One With Serious Mental Illness” by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.  It’s a little long but I promise if you are looking for a way to support this would be a great place to start!  15 Ways To Support A Loved One With Serious Mental Illness (link)


Help me open the dialog so stigma can begin to dissolve around this topic. Share my channel and videos with friends and family. You never know who might be suffering and needs to know they are not alone. Remember mental illness is not a choice but something that happens to some and it’s out of their control. We need support to help us face each moment as they come!