You Are Not Alone

My client was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 18. Bouts of depression cycling with longer periods of manic episodes that resulted in a six-week hospital stay. There she met a wonderful psychiatrist who she would, some 7 years later, seek out; asking if she could try medication. Her life felt unstable and spiraling; and she did not feel like herself. The young female psychiatrist would help.

Therein began a lengthy relationship of weekly or bi-weekly appointments and the ever important task of finding the right combination of medications to which needed my client’s due diligence to adhere to regularly.

One of the many supports that my client was encouraged to seek out was Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She reminds me to this day of the story of seeing an article that I wrote for a local paper, together with a brief description on CBT and how it helps.

 

Fast forward to present day. My support and our work in therapy, together with the foundational pillars of: sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and a balanced schedule which includes ‘alone time’ and meditation, are what allows this client to live and thrive in the world (with a successful career, the raising of two wonderful teenagers, and the love of a husband who adores her). Many would say that she is a perfect example of how mental health requires ongoing support; of how important it is to have the love of family and friends; and to not feel judged.

 

Mental health is vital for living a happy and productive life. Many times my client has described how difficult it is for her to think clearly, to feel optimistic, and to be productive when she is in the throws of low affect. What so many of us take for granted; what we find easy and simple, becomes painfully difficult for her.

But there is more; this client is also now a wonderful support for her 26 yr-old niece who remains yet undiagnosed, but with symptoms that may reveal schizophrenia.

Mental illness is caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Mental illness is hereditary.  Support in the sharing of our experiences can help others to feel that they are not alone. This is precisely what my client has done. She makes a point of phoning her niece each day to check-in, to offer encouraging words; to share her story and her experience of being in hospital and to compare notes with her niece as she awaits a diagnosis and treatment.

It is important to remember that you are not alone; that you can get help; you can call on your tribe to help get you through the difficult moments that seem to last an eternity whilst building on your strengths and your ability to help yourself; to persevere, to find what works best; and to live disciplined to the pillars that reinforce what it means to be healthy. You can share your story so that others do not feel alone; so that you are reminded that your words can help.

If you or someone you know is struggling to feel “okay”, to feel “normal”; to feel healthy; its paramount to get the right help. To find the right people, programs, and support that will allow you to thrive in your life. You can do this. You are not alone. Make it happen.

 

 

– World Mental Health Day: October 10th 2020