Why would anyone choose to discuss this topic? What could I possibly hope to accomplish by
talking with you about mental illness?
First of all, I believe that it is important to discuss problems. For many people, mental illness is part of
life. They deal with it behind closed
doors. Sometimes, without outside support or help. While we are much more open about the topic
today, there is still a stigma about discussing it. And my goal is to shine the light of day on
the topic. To create a dialogue. And to talk about options for handling
it.
Why is this important to me?
When I was 8 years old and watching my Mom get sick with something I
didn’t understand, it would have been helpful to me to have someone who had
been through what I was experiencing to talk to. I hope that I am providing that for you. As I share my story, I would like you to tell
me what you can relate to in my story.
What have you experienced? How
have you dealt with the mental illness of your loved one? How do you cope? Do you have support? Or do you need more people to talk to? How do you take care of yourself? What do you know about mental illness? And
where did you learn what you know?
I think that education and support are the key elements to
survival. Having mental illness in the
family is stressful. Now, dear reader,
it is your turn to talk. Please comment
on what you have read. Tell me your
story. I want you to use this blog as a
forum for yourself. There really is
strength in numbers. Hoping to hear from
you soon…
3 comments:
Hi Judy:
My mom became clinically depressed when I was in middle school. She was in her late 30's then, and never really recovered her spark. Looking back, I wonder if she had been depressed for a long time, years maybe. She became mute, physically withdrew from the family, stopped caring for herself. When I entered 7th grade she required psychiatric care in a hospital, and continues to require it to this day at the age of 77. Not having anyone to talk to about what was happening in my family. Watching my mom get sick was so confusing. I hated her. I hated myself for hating her. My daughter is the same age now as I was when my mother started actively getting sick. Seeing her grow, I appreciate what a tough job it is being a teen without having to deal with a sick parent. How did I ever make it through my teens without getting into trouble? Good in school. No problems with drugs, alcohol, or boys. My home life literally left my stomach in knots, and I couldn't wait to leave.
VK: I can relate to so much of what you say. First of all, having no one to talk to about it is extremely painful. You end up feeling so different. And that feeling stays with you in adulthood unless you work on it. If no one else has said this to you...pat yourself on the back for surviving intact. That is quite an accomplishment. And enjoy the fact that you are there for your daughter and can enjoy her growth. I am so proud of you for saying what is. Accepting ourselves and our mentally ill parent can be one of the greatest challenges we face. I hope that owning this reminds you of what a strong human being you are. I send all my love. Judy on Why did I choose to come out of the closet?...
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