Not so long ago, probably a month or two ago, DH sent me this Ted Talk video "Andrew Solomon: Depression". It struck me as poignant and powerful. I was surprised that DH sent it to me but I was also so happy when he did. The reason I was so happy was because it meant that he was, in that moment, accepting his illness. He was accepting that though he has this illness, his illness is not what defines him. The video below is approximately 30 minutes, but it is well worth your time. While your children watch their favorite half hour children's episode, put your headphones in and watch this video. You will be glad you did.
Your friends and family may not understand you or your loved one who suffers with mental illness. You may bring awareness to your friends and family and they may dismiss your efforts. You may experience the pitiful look in others' eyes when you desperately try to explain "we have mental illness in our home... but..." and watch them as their eyes glaze over while they try to change the subject or walk away from you all together. You may find the rare gem friends who love you and want nothing more than to help you but they simply do not know how.
Mental illness is the best kept secret and it is time the secret is revealed. We can only be afraid of what we don't understand. When we replace the unknown with plans of action we become strong, empathetic, understanding of those around us and most importantly we start to become whole from the broken person we have believed ourselves to be for so long.
~Elizabeth~
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