So, as I’ve said, I’ve been diagnosed with
Clinical Depression
Bi Polar Disorder
and
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
I though I would try and open up my life by giving those of you in Stephanieland the opportunity to ask about my experiences. Thank you for your interest so far.
Keep those questions coming. I would like to be as transparent and helpful as I can.
The first Question that I would like to try and answer is:
What are practical ways to support someone with these diagnoses?
Most of you know some of the answer to this one.
Dishes Washing
Laundry Doing
Vaccum Pushing
Ice Cream Buying
Dinner Cooking
Yard Raking
Fingernail Painting
Hair Combing
Errand Running
Doctor Appointmenting
Waiting Rooming
And as much as you can think of that fits the definition of “things to actually physically do for someone else”
These things, however, are very relative. Unless you know someone VERY well, you may both be uncomfortable having you in their house.
This is where individuality comes in.
This is also where ASKING comes in. Don’t just attack your friend with detergent and a mop. Offer to help clean for an hour or two (remember that day long projects can often be too overwhelming for those who regularly walk through depression, even if those projects are broken down piece by piece). Offer to take your friend for coffee and just catch up. Plan a play date and offer to watch their children for an afternoon.
A little kindness goes a long way. A little kindness helps those of us who are fighting our own minds to feel less alone. A little kindness, believe me, is very much appreciated.
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Mental illness isn’t visible, but it IS an illness. Er, rather they are Illness-es- that have to do with the brain and the functioning thereof.
And the people who most bear the brunt of our exotic, eclectic, eccentric selves are those who love us most.
Parents
Spouses
Siblings
Teachers
Employers
Co Workers
Partners
The last suggestion I have of practical ways to support those with mental illnesses is to love on the people whom we love.
My husband, for example, has three friends in particular who care for, pray with, and invest in him. I appreciate them so much. I know that his life could be so different, and in some ways could be so much better, if the majority of his time was not spent tending to and thinking of me. Knowing that he has a strong, loving support system relieves and reassures me. Their presence lessons my own anxiety.
And for that, I will ever be grateful.
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Thank you for your interest in this first question.
I hope that I was helpful.
Thank you for paying attention to my disclaimers. I am in no way a person who works in either medicine or therapy. I can only relay my own experiences, and, in limited part, the experiences of my husband.
Thank you for reviewing these experiences with me.
Feel free to question further. I have enjoyed thinking this one through.