Mental Illness Stinks

If you’re feeling misunderstood, or isolated because you’re struggling with mental health issues right now, take heart. You’re not alone. And if you care about someone who struggles with these things, hold them close.

I’m not even sure what to write here, because there is so much involved in all of this. But I’m gonna try anyway.

I have diagnosed recurring depression and anxiety. I have had this illness off and on for 30 years. I take medication. My brain/body chemistry is out of whack, and I can’t do anything to fix it, except take medication. No amount of exercise, healthy food, positive thinking, or prayer has fixed this. I have tried. And that’s okay. I need medication for an illness. I don’t blame anyone. It isn’t something I’ve chosen. I’m not being punished.

I don’t like it at all. But this is part of my story. And I’m going to keep doing my best, even if things aren’t going the way I wish they would. And I’m not giving up hope. One day I may be healed or cured. And if that happens, that’ll be awesome! But I have to live with me right now.

So many others are like me. Some are people I dearly love who struggle with things like borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, and depression and anxiety. I personally care about people with these illnesses. And they are very real illnesses. If I (one person) know and care about people with these struggles, there have to be so many more out there.

You are not alone.
You are not alone.
You are not alone.

I know it’s really hard when people you care about don’t understand how real and difficult living with mental illness is. And I know you can feel like you must not be as good as other people. Maybe you think you’re unlovable, or you’re ashamed of who you are. Maybe you’re so tired of having to try so hard just to keep your head above water.

Please listen to me. You are important.

Please, know that you are more than these dumb illnesses.

Please believe that your life has a purpose and a meaning that you may not be able to see right now.

At the risk of being called weak, silly, or being told it’s all in my head (which is profoundly ironic), I am Braundi and I live with mental illness. And I have been called or told the above things, and so many, many more. But all those things are false. I will stand firmly, and with much kindness, for all of us who suffer with these things.

Because I want you to know you are not alone.
You are brave, and strong.
You are a beautiful human with so much promise.

May you find comfort, and above all, hope in these words.

Saying a prayer for all of us, and for those who love us, to understand, and to be understood.

And to know true hope, and peace, and joy.

We’re all in this together.

Braundi