It took me awhile before I realized the screams I was hearing were my own. When I came out of my dream-like state, my co-worker friends were shaking me and asking me loudly to focus on them. I was standing in a conference room down the hall from my desk. The last thing I remember was picking up the phone.
The fifteen minutes I do not remember that day was not the only thing I lost. Both are gone forever.
My story is not uncommon. It is just not to be spoken. Those fifteen minutes I lost, it has taken 20 years for me to share them. I will share them with you this month.
May was Mental Health awareness month. I can not speak to what it is to suffer from mental illness. It is not my story to tell. What I will share in this next two weeks is hard. It is not what many people want to hear. There are so many that need our love. Fierce love. Unconditional love. Will you join me on this next journey?
Join me as I share what it is like to walk along side someone with a mental illness. The judgement, isolation, and fear that families deal with in silence. It is not to overshadow the immense difficulties of those with mental illness. They are valid. If that is you – your story matters. You matter! I can only share from the place of knowledge I possess. The helper to those that need it.
Are you a helper? Are you lonely? Do you feel judged? I encourage you to share as you can only share. Your story. Not your family member’s story of illness – your story of unconditional, challenging love. You matter too.
I will share as many resources as I know to share.
If you struggle with mental illness and need a lifeline. CALL: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Let this next journey be one to create the habit of support in your life. One where you no longer feel alone.
Looking forward to the resources you share and your perspective.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!! The ignorance and intolerance of this nation when it comes to mental health is so deep, and I can say that because I didn’t know the depth of mine until my child got diagnosed, I had to face the truth that I never took the time to educate myself, I just thought I knew, but I didn’t. Being a parent of a young child with mental health issues I understand the feeling of being judged, the comments about why don’t you control your kid, the feeling of being a bad parent because I have lost control of my child. The one thing I can say is: If you are a parent and you feel you have lost control of your child or you have a feeling something is off don’t be ashamed to ask for help an evaluation early intervention is the key to most long-term successful treatment. Mental health illness never really goes away but it can be managed with the right tools and guidance.
Thank you Leah for sharing your heart. As a parent too I can’t even imagine. It is so important that we tell our stories. Find support as we support our loved ones. The stigma must end. Judgement helps no one.
Thank you for your heart and for your honesty. You are an amazing mom and perfect for your child. Keep fighting!
This is a subject that needs to be discussed more openly! Bravo for addressing it. Can’t wait to read the posts!
Lots of people suffer from mental illnesses and I think it’s a sign of our times. Too much stress and pressure often cause breakdowns. 🙂
Oh wow I can imagine your next post will be an incredibly powerful one. Thank you for being so brave and speaking up for mental health and raising awarness.
Mental illness is real and a challenge. Thank you for sharing this post for the people who needs it.
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