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There’s a quote by Stephen Fry that says “If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather. Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through on the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”
I think this quote relates to most mental illnesses. It’s hard having something with few physical symptoms. People say “it’s all in your head.” Yeah, it is, but that doesn’t make it any less tyrannical or any less difficult to deal with. This post took me the full two hours to type, but basically what it boils down to is be kind. Everyone you know is fighting some kind of battle. The theme for the 2015 Mental Illness Awareness Week was building a movement around being stigma free. I’ve fought my battles—and I'm still fighting them, everyday--but I’m coming through on top. If you’re struggling in the midst of one right now, know that it gets better. It takes a lot of work, and it’ll probably be really, really bad for a while and you won’t think you’ll survive, but if you hang on, it really and truly does get better. And if you need someone to talk to or if you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, please message me. I may not be able to give you more than a simple “I’m here, and I care about you,” but I know when I was really sick, sometimes that’s all it took to give me a second wind. I know this was a longer post and slightly jumbled, so thank you for sticking with it until the end. I hope these random musings on where I’ve come from and what I’m passionate about have made a bit of sense.
7 Comments
Teresa Brown
10/19/2015 03:42:48 pm
What courage! And Strength! And committment! So proud of you and yes I understand. I am old. 60 and have had so many of the same feelings and yes it affects old people too. I know I need to see someone, get on some type of meds but at my age -Why? I cry alot, sleep very little, hurt alot (due to RA), socialize very little. I don't purge but I do other things and then feel so guilty - I don't know where to start.
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Sheree Gibbs
10/19/2015 09:06:08 pm
Bravo!!!!! I have worked in the mental health field for 20+ years and have been amazed at the lack of understanding the general public has . Education and insight from real, extraordinary people like you, my dear, will overcome ignorance! So proud of you and for you! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
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Randall Ham
10/19/2015 09:40:21 pm
It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and share your struggles with the world. But it doesn't surprise me to see you do exactly that. What it says to me is that you care about those who share your story and haven't yet found that courage. Someone has to step out first, right? I know that your faith gives you that courage and that this blog is more about helping others than about helping yourself. God sees what you are doing and He knows why. I am proud of you for being strong and courageous in a time when that is quite rare. God Bless.
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10/20/2015 06:24:03 pm
You are a fantastic and brilliant writer, Anna Rae
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Bobbie Thompson
10/20/2015 11:37:06 pm
Anna Rae, I feel I need to apologize to you and to Patsy because when I first saw the comments on her facebook I thought someone had hacked her computer---I did not believe that she would say the MF on her site---I called and told her that I thought someone was writing things on her website---I had only read the first part of the comment and she told me to read more which I did and I'm so sorrow I jumped to conclusions without reading the whole article---You will probably never know how many people are going to benefit from your comments---We all struggle with emotions and times when we feel so alone and I hope you will be able to publish this and share it with the many who are suffering through difficult times---Again I hope you will forgive me for not reading the whole article---God bless you for this invaluable service and love that you have for others for your need to share this with us---
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Bobbie Thompson
10/21/2015 09:19:47 pm
I did read the whole article and it will certainly be a blessing to those who need someone who understands what they are going through---
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Lisa Schafer
10/24/2015 10:00:59 pm
Wow! Thank you for your honesty! You are strong and courageous, and your thoughts are powerfully expressed! I wonder why the church as a whole is not addressing these issues very effectively? I know God cares deeply about those who are enduring and battling mental illness.
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About the AuthorConfessions of a failed southern lady. I've got messy hair and a thirsty heart. Writer, photographer, career wanderer. Archives
May 2023
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