Hey Loves,
It's been a few months since I've blogged and so much has transpired. Time literally waits for no one and flies by so fast. But by the Grace of God, I am able to say that this year so far has been really good for me and I'm grateful. I want to share something on my heart and that is, "I'm embarrassed of my loved one with mental illness." The reason why I'm blogging on this topic is because it relates to so many but they are afraid to admit that they are embarrassed of their loved one with mental illness. I want to let you know that you are not alone in how you feel or how you've felt. Because honestly, I've been there...
Growing up, I had a close loved one with Bipolar Disorder and as a kid, I was embarrassed of that person. I didn't understand their behavior or mood swings. And at that time as a kid, I didn't even want to understand their behavior, I never wanted to be in their shoes. Until... I had a nervous breakdown at 16 years old. And when I tell you that living with a mental health diagnosis has humbled me in every single way...it really has. I wouldn't dare wish it on my worst enemy. I never thought at 16 years old I would do the things or accomplish some of the things I have now. All I remember in January 2012, God telling me my purpose was to encourage those living with mental illness. 11 years later, I am doing that and work at a mental health agency as a Peer Support Specialist, in hopes to pursue my Master in Social Work next year and eventually, become a clinical therapist.
But back to you, if you are feeling embarrassed or ashamed of a loved one living with mental illness, I want to encourage you to believe recovery and remission is possible. God has done it for me and I am certain HE can do it for your loved one too. Just know healing isn't always linear. Sometimes relapses happens, and a re-hospitalization too. Keep praying for them. Educate yourself about their illness. Have compassion for them because they didn't ask or do anything to get their diagnosis. Join support groups, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is known to have them for families and couples. It will definitely help you feel less alone. Attend a Mental Health First Aider for Youth and Adults Training, as well as, a Suicide QPR Prevention Training. Anything to help you better understand your loved one and to break the stigma.
If being a caregiver for a loved one is becoming overbearing with a loved one with mental illness, seek counseling and practice much needed self-care.
With great support, we can turn our loved ones illness into wellness. I'm a strong believer that if you speak hope into someone's life who is struggling with their illness ,especially during their darkest times, that your loved will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you are in the Wayne County area, I strongly seek services with DWIHN ( Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network). You will get the help you need. Below is a recent commercial I did with them:
Let's continue to break the stigma together one day at time. We got this. I'm rooting for you and praying for you and your loved one(s). You are not alone. God is with you!
"Living out my purpose with purpose one day at a time."
Love,
Sheree B
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