I'm trying something new. As you know, I'm seriously committing myself to writing my book. And so I'm finding that I'm willing to do new things. I read lots of blogs. Not as many as I would like because of time and energy, but still lots of blogs. I totally believe that when voices are raised, change happens. And I see education as a key in making that change. The best education regarding the impact of mental illness comes from people living with it. When people become acquainted with who we are, it is slightly more difficult to stigmatize us. So, what I'm going to do is open my blog to other voices. I'm letting all my friends in support groups know that I would love to have them write an article for this space. Some of them may be uncomfortable with the open nature of the blog, but I'm willing to compromise. First names only can be used. And if you want to write using a pen name, that is OK also. The only stipulation is that I have final approval on whether an article is published. I'm open about topic, but I would ask that you write about something connected with your experience with mental illness. Intellectual discussions about mental illness are important too, but this blog is about surviving and thriving.
Suggestions for topics? Share your story. Talk about a tool that has worked for you. Talk about your family history. I want to hear about the impact of stigma on your life and recovery. Write about how you found the right treatment. Or about how you haven't been able to find the right treatment. Explain to my audience what you are currently working on. And on what you are struggling with. Tell us who you are. Maybe you can share about how you live with someone who has a mental illness and the impact on your life. As I say at the conclusion of many of my articles: Let's talk! I want to know who you are and who you are working to become. I don't care about grammar. I'm not looking for perfect writers or perfect people. I'm looking for human beings.
Does this mean I no longer intend to post? Of course not. I love this space. It helps me deal with my illness and it helps me to get to know other people who are struggling. This blog is rewarding for me. And I'm very aware that this new project will only be successful if people are willing to speak out. If they aren't, that will speak volumes also. I think stigma terrorizes people into believing that they can't speak out. I want you to challenge that message. In whatever way that you are comfortable. I've spoken to a couple of people already about writing. One is interested. But she is still thinking about topic. The other was ready to take on the challenge and I already have the article. It will be published in this space soon. If you have any questions about this and would like to entertain the possibility, let me know. Send me a message. Really.....LET'S TALK!!
Suggestions for topics? Share your story. Talk about a tool that has worked for you. Talk about your family history. I want to hear about the impact of stigma on your life and recovery. Write about how you found the right treatment. Or about how you haven't been able to find the right treatment. Explain to my audience what you are currently working on. And on what you are struggling with. Tell us who you are. Maybe you can share about how you live with someone who has a mental illness and the impact on your life. As I say at the conclusion of many of my articles: Let's talk! I want to know who you are and who you are working to become. I don't care about grammar. I'm not looking for perfect writers or perfect people. I'm looking for human beings.
Does this mean I no longer intend to post? Of course not. I love this space. It helps me deal with my illness and it helps me to get to know other people who are struggling. This blog is rewarding for me. And I'm very aware that this new project will only be successful if people are willing to speak out. If they aren't, that will speak volumes also. I think stigma terrorizes people into believing that they can't speak out. I want you to challenge that message. In whatever way that you are comfortable. I've spoken to a couple of people already about writing. One is interested. But she is still thinking about topic. The other was ready to take on the challenge and I already have the article. It will be published in this space soon. If you have any questions about this and would like to entertain the possibility, let me know. Send me a message. Really.....LET'S TALK!!
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