Why I Care So Much About Mental Health
Keeping it simple.
My story is straightforward: I have a severe mental illness.
Living with Bipolar Type 2 Disorder is multi-dimensional – it’s not just “good” or “bad” or “up” or “down” — and my chronic illness requires all kinds of support. While most of my days are full of love and excitement, I will forever be plagued by something that is neither my fault nor my choice.
My illness can destroy everything I love, which is why I created this website. I want to share with you why my experience living with Bipolar Type 2 Disorder fills me with pride. It may sound odd, but I’m much more proud of my ability to get through the dark days than I am to bask in the sunny ones. It’s important to remember that I’ve gotten through the excruciating pain with my support network — let’s not try to fight the demons alone.
I want those experiencing mental health issues, or those helping them, to feel a source of pride, too. Being proud does not require feeling entirely better; perhaps you’ve taken a shower or finally made yourself breakfast. What matters most to me is that…
just as someone may get positive reinforcement for dealing with and struggling with a physical wound, so will someone fighting a battle within their mind.
As I write more and more on this site, you will gather anecdotes about my experience that you may or may not relate to. Because everyone has their unique story, please remember that what I write should not be considered advice. I’ve worked hard and continue to do so to learn what my mind and body need, and you will, or already have, too. I feel I understand and can relate to what most people who are struggling with mental illness are going through. After making it through seven hospitalizations, I’ve seen all sorts of family dynamics, relationship types, frustrations (and successes) with medicine.
And I’m grateful to have seen and heard success stories. I cannot say I’ve been in your shoes, but I do know what it feels like to love life one day and want to die the next.
I’m sharing my thoughts with you because I believe mental health is an excruciating process to navigate, and working through your feelings and emotions should be praised. I’ll explain my cycling moods and the horrible situations I’ve been in, including an emergency evacuation from a foreign country and a psychiatric stay in another foreign country.
For now, please know I am always happy to talk with anyone trying to navigate life with a mental health issue; there’s no feeling too big or too small to talk through or to be proud of.