There is NO question that my DBSA support group has been SO good for me. I know I've talked about this before, but I just feel so strongly about it. It has been such a relief to be able to go and be with others who understand what I'm going through. My family and friends have been great, but it's just not the same. I'm SO thankful for DBSA. What could be better than a non-profit organization that provides free services to those in need?
On another note (sorry, I'm really on a soapbox right now) we as a community of people have to do what we can to help educate America about mental illness. After each week at group I think it is SO obvious that we all fight the misinformation and the ignorance of those around us. I don't blame those around us for this problem...how can you blame someone for something they didn't know they needed to learn about? I'm not really sure there is blame to be given to anyone. What I think does matter is that we spread the word.
Personally, I need to be open about my disease and its affects on me...I'm trying to do that, that's what I have this blog. I also challenge those of you that are reading my blog to be open about mental illness as well. No, I'm not asking you to go door to door lecturing your neighbors on the misconceptions that are out there, but please speak up when it is appropriate. Teach your children that depression or bipolar or any other mental illness is as disease just like cancer or diabetes. Those of us suffering, didn't sign up for this. This has afflicted us just like any other disease.
Please help me, and others that are suffering with me, fight the stigma.
Okay, so I'm off my soapbox (at least for now). I do want to thank all of you for your support. It has been SO good for me to share my experience here and read your comments. Thank you for being there for me.
Showing posts with label Support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Support. Show all posts
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ray of Light- Family Support
My DBSA support group has been great for me, as I've mentioned before. These last 2 Thursdays I've had other commitments that have kept me away. I didn't think I was so dependent on it, but it really does make a difference so I was so glad I could go again today.
For anyone dealing with a mental illness, family support is HUGE. I've been VERY blessed to have a tremendously supportive husband and other family members that are trying their best to understand what I'm struggling with. Sadly, that is not always the case.
Tonight at group, though, I was so pleased to see four family members there to support one of our group. They know that their family member is going through something difficult and instead of just turning this person away as "nuts," they're trying to learn as much as they can and be as supportive as they can...what a gift. I'm so thankful that this group member has this kind of support. It was truly a "Ray of Light" for me to see that.
For anyone dealing with a mental illness, family support is HUGE. I've been VERY blessed to have a tremendously supportive husband and other family members that are trying their best to understand what I'm struggling with. Sadly, that is not always the case.
Tonight at group, though, I was so pleased to see four family members there to support one of our group. They know that their family member is going through something difficult and instead of just turning this person away as "nuts," they're trying to learn as much as they can and be as supportive as they can...what a gift. I'm so thankful that this group member has this kind of support. It was truly a "Ray of Light" for me to see that.
A special thanks to all of the family and friends that are supporting someone through the nightmare of a mental illness. God bless you!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Ray of Light- DBSA
I just got back from my first support group...it was great! I guess that sounds kind of funny to have a support group for depression and bipolar be "great," so maybe I should say it was uplifting, hopeful, comfortable, and an HUGE relief to be there with others who are fighting a similar battle.
This group is run by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). The best part about this group is that the ones running it are suffering too. It's not just run by a therapist that can't really understand how it is to be there. My husband is a therapist and I LOVE what they can do, but it is still different to be in a room with a group of people that a least to a certain extent know exactly what you're going through. Even though about half of us there were at this group for the first time, there just seemed to be this instant bond. We are all fighting and we've all decided that we don't want to do it alone.
I was definitely dragging my feet about going. Granted, it's been the summer and so I have legitimately had lots of things going, but I'm so glad I just did it tonight. I find the more and more open I am with what I'm fighting, the easier the battle becomes, or maybe more correctly, the easier it is to fight.
I don't think I learned anything or came away with a huge "aha" moment, but I definitely feel better because I went. I'll definitely go as often as I can in the future. This support group is truly a blessing and my "Ray of Light" for today.
This group is run by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). The best part about this group is that the ones running it are suffering too. It's not just run by a therapist that can't really understand how it is to be there. My husband is a therapist and I LOVE what they can do, but it is still different to be in a room with a group of people that a least to a certain extent know exactly what you're going through. Even though about half of us there were at this group for the first time, there just seemed to be this instant bond. We are all fighting and we've all decided that we don't want to do it alone.
I was definitely dragging my feet about going. Granted, it's been the summer and so I have legitimately had lots of things going, but I'm so glad I just did it tonight. I find the more and more open I am with what I'm fighting, the easier the battle becomes, or maybe more correctly, the easier it is to fight.
I don't think I learned anything or came away with a huge "aha" moment, but I definitely feel better because I went. I'll definitely go as often as I can in the future. This support group is truly a blessing and my "Ray of Light" for today.
***DBSA has chapters all across the country. If you've been diagnosed, or feel like you are suffering for either depression or bipolar disorder, I STRONGLY recommend your seeking out your local chapter. Even with the gas prices how they are today, it is well worth the 30 minute drive (both ways). The DBSA website is also a great resource for not only those struggling with these diseases, but also for family and friends that would like to know more. Check it out!***
Monday, August 11, 2008
My First Ray of Hope
I had a CRAZY freshman year experience, but from that my apartment and the one next door have become such good friends. To this day (over 8 years later) we have an online forum where we keep in touch from literally all over the country and from time to time all over the world. I love our forum. It has been such a blessing to me in so many ways, but the most amazing blessing came after I mentioned my continued struggle with depression.
One of my sweet friends, Natalie, hadn't realized I was still struggling. Some might say by chance, but I say through the hand of the Lord, Natalie was guided to rereading a book she hadn't picked up for years...The Ultimate Career. There was one chapter entitled, When Illness Strikes Home: One Woman's Story of Depression that she felt inspired to share with me.
It was nothing short of a Godsend! It was exactly what I needed at a TREMENDOUSLY difficult time. Elaine, the woman in the story, shared how she had been diagnosed with depression 14 years earlier. What first drew me into the story was her description of her struggle with depression...I felt like I could have written the description myself.
An aside...I think it is very important to understand that depression comes in many different forms. I know I don't understand them all, but not everyone experiences it the same way I do. Some have more anxiety, some get more moody and angry, but I got low...and I mean SUPER LOW!
I just felt SO thankful to hear of someone suffering to the same extent I had...again, not happy she had suffered, but thankful to not be alone.
She shared how she had struggled, but even more importantly she shared how she had coped.
There were SO many wonderful things that she listed. I was HIGHLY recommend anyone struggling with depression to pick up this book and read the chapter. But let me share with you the ideas that were most meaningful to me.
Scripture Study: This is something SO hard for me right now. In general, scripture study is hard for most people, but I have dyslexia as well...so comprehension is already hard to come by, then add the language of the scriptures to that and it's just plain hard. But then add depression to that and it feels nearly impossible.
So often I feel like my mind is in a fog. When I try to think quietly I feel like someone inside my head is flipping stations on the radio...there is NEVER any calm. I feel like I'm constantly fighting to focus. So you can imagine how difficult that would make trying to read and glean ANYTHING from the scriptures.
Elaine suggested topical study vs. reading chapter to chapter. I've heard of that before and even done it before, but it just didn't click to do it now. So I tried it. Oh, my goodness! I seriously felt like a whole new world had been opened up to me. For some reason not having to guess the topic of what I was reading and really being able to spend several days on one topic made a world of difference for me. I felt like I was reading some verses for the first time. I really had whole new eyes. It was such a weight off my shoulders.
She specifically mentioned starting with a study of faith (for obvious reasons) and that was PERFECT for me. There is SO much to be said about faith that I'll dedicate several other posts to what I learned.
Love: For this topic, I'm going to quote a chapter from the book:
"Another time, during a low moment when I was feeling particularly distraught, I said to Mark [her husband], 'I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to leave me.' He looked at me as if I had hit him. ' We are in this together!' he exclaimed. 'I would never leave you, I love you,' he declared as he gave me a hug. 'Wouldn't you do the same for me if things were reversed? Honey, we are in this together.' Well, of course, I would not leave him and, of course, I would take care of him if he were sick..." (The Ultimate Career, pg. 159)
I had had those VERY same feelings on countless occasions. I seriously felt like Ryan would have every right in the world to leave me. I felt like all I was doing was creating more work for him and dragging him down. Somehow reading the words Elaine's husband told her, made everything Ryan had tried to assure me of, so much more real. I knew it then, and I know with all my heart now, that he's in it for the long haul and the LAST thing he'd think of doing is to kick me when I'm down, by deserting me.
An aside, sadly I know this is not the reality for everyone. I honestly thank my Lord EVERY day that I was blessed with such and understanding a wonderful husband. I'm sure there are days when it is really hard, but thankfully the love that we have for each other runs so much deeper than depression can ever truly touch.
Natalie was a Godsend (on more than one occasion) and this chapter was a Godsend. Together they were one of the first real rays of hope in the darkness I called my life.
One of my sweet friends, Natalie, hadn't realized I was still struggling. Some might say by chance, but I say through the hand of the Lord, Natalie was guided to rereading a book she hadn't picked up for years...The Ultimate Career. There was one chapter entitled, When Illness Strikes Home: One Woman's Story of Depression that she felt inspired to share with me.
It was nothing short of a Godsend! It was exactly what I needed at a TREMENDOUSLY difficult time. Elaine, the woman in the story, shared how she had been diagnosed with depression 14 years earlier. What first drew me into the story was her description of her struggle with depression...I felt like I could have written the description myself.
An aside...I think it is very important to understand that depression comes in many different forms. I know I don't understand them all, but not everyone experiences it the same way I do. Some have more anxiety, some get more moody and angry, but I got low...and I mean SUPER LOW!
I just felt SO thankful to hear of someone suffering to the same extent I had...again, not happy she had suffered, but thankful to not be alone.
She shared how she had struggled, but even more importantly she shared how she had coped.
There were SO many wonderful things that she listed. I was HIGHLY recommend anyone struggling with depression to pick up this book and read the chapter. But let me share with you the ideas that were most meaningful to me.
Scripture Study: This is something SO hard for me right now. In general, scripture study is hard for most people, but I have dyslexia as well...so comprehension is already hard to come by, then add the language of the scriptures to that and it's just plain hard. But then add depression to that and it feels nearly impossible.
So often I feel like my mind is in a fog. When I try to think quietly I feel like someone inside my head is flipping stations on the radio...there is NEVER any calm. I feel like I'm constantly fighting to focus. So you can imagine how difficult that would make trying to read and glean ANYTHING from the scriptures.
Elaine suggested topical study vs. reading chapter to chapter. I've heard of that before and even done it before, but it just didn't click to do it now. So I tried it. Oh, my goodness! I seriously felt like a whole new world had been opened up to me. For some reason not having to guess the topic of what I was reading and really being able to spend several days on one topic made a world of difference for me. I felt like I was reading some verses for the first time. I really had whole new eyes. It was such a weight off my shoulders.
She specifically mentioned starting with a study of faith (for obvious reasons) and that was PERFECT for me. There is SO much to be said about faith that I'll dedicate several other posts to what I learned.
Love: For this topic, I'm going to quote a chapter from the book:
"Another time, during a low moment when I was feeling particularly distraught, I said to Mark [her husband], 'I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to leave me.' He looked at me as if I had hit him. ' We are in this together!' he exclaimed. 'I would never leave you, I love you,' he declared as he gave me a hug. 'Wouldn't you do the same for me if things were reversed? Honey, we are in this together.' Well, of course, I would not leave him and, of course, I would take care of him if he were sick..." (The Ultimate Career, pg. 159)
I had had those VERY same feelings on countless occasions. I seriously felt like Ryan would have every right in the world to leave me. I felt like all I was doing was creating more work for him and dragging him down. Somehow reading the words Elaine's husband told her, made everything Ryan had tried to assure me of, so much more real. I knew it then, and I know with all my heart now, that he's in it for the long haul and the LAST thing he'd think of doing is to kick me when I'm down, by deserting me.
An aside, sadly I know this is not the reality for everyone. I honestly thank my Lord EVERY day that I was blessed with such and understanding a wonderful husband. I'm sure there are days when it is really hard, but thankfully the love that we have for each other runs so much deeper than depression can ever truly touch.
Natalie was a Godsend (on more than one occasion) and this chapter was a Godsend. Together they were one of the first real rays of hope in the darkness I called my life.
Overwhelming Support
I would like to thank all of you that have shown your overwhelming support for my blog. Blogging scares me to death, but I knew this was something I needed to do. I felt very inspired that this could be both a way to help others, and an outlet/forum to discuss my experience. I know that some of the ideas expressed here are mine, but many come from above and the clarity and way in which I am writing is also LARGELY aided by spirit of the Lord. I'm not trying to be modest, just honest.
I welcome comments and ideas from anyone. I truly believe that we have all felt moments of depression and therefore can at least appreciate what I'm saying to a certain extent. I also know that I don't have a monopoly of good ideas or ways of coping so again, I would welcome your input.
Please feel free to share this with friends, family, or even just acquaintances that you feel could benefit from participating in my blog. I truly feel that being open and honest about our struggles and discussing them freely is one of the best ways to overcome them.
Thank you again for your support...it truly means more to me than you could ever know...it's really an answer to many prayers.
I welcome comments and ideas from anyone. I truly believe that we have all felt moments of depression and therefore can at least appreciate what I'm saying to a certain extent. I also know that I don't have a monopoly of good ideas or ways of coping so again, I would welcome your input.
Please feel free to share this with friends, family, or even just acquaintances that you feel could benefit from participating in my blog. I truly feel that being open and honest about our struggles and discussing them freely is one of the best ways to overcome them.
Thank you again for your support...it truly means more to me than you could ever know...it's really an answer to many prayers.
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