My Life Living with Mental Health Challenges

First and foremost, a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who read episode 1! So many people reached out and showed nothing but love and encouragement for this little endeavor. I even got a grade of a B+ from a well respected English expert on my writing style…lol!!! With that said, let’s continue the journey…..ALL ABOARD!!!! EVERYONE is welcome here!!

So episode 1 was an intro, a test, and a message of encouragement to those that struggle with mental health challenges. Today I will be talking to the rest of you. The caregivers, loved ones, family, and friends of those who struggle with mental health issues. Let me be honest and upfront, MY diagnosis is bipolar with major depressive episodes, as well as anxiety. What are those things and how do they affect me….we will cross that bridge soon. Today, I want to share a few words of semi-wisdom to the loved ones of people who struggle with mental health. I believe this advice applies to dealing with anyone that experiences any type of mental health challenges.

1. Educate yourself on their condition. I mean good, quality education. Seek information from reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic. Not wikipedia. Not Facebook or instagram. Learn about their diagnosis, the symptoms they are battling, what you can do to help. The old attitude toward mental health that, “it’s just all in your head” and “just think differently” …or my favorite, “pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get over it” …..is just wrong. As males we are expected to keep quiet, deal with it, be a man, and handle it. Sorry….that’s not how it works. If it was that easy, mental health wouldn’t be an issue. Also, if you have children that have friends or loved ones that struggle with mental health, educated them about it. Share your information with them. Let them know their loved one is sick and what they can do to help, just like you would if they had cancer. Children are more scared and mad about things they don’t understand or are uneducated about.

2. Don’t take it personally. I know this has to be easier said than done. When you are dealing with someone that has unexplained mood swings, depression for no apparent reason, someone that has isolated themselves from you, someone that is so medicated they are like a zombie, or even someone that tried to end it all, it’s hard not to be mad and take it personal. But don’t. It’s the disease. It’s not what they want either and more than likely they feel a lot of guilt as a result of their struggles. They love you. They need you. They aren’t trying to hurt you. Just remember, it’s what they are going through and not you.

3. Love them. They may not reciprocate this during a time of major depression. They may act like they don’t care. They may try to push you away….but don’t stop loving them. It will make a difference. It may give them what they need to take one more step. I have had people stop loving me. People that decided they just couldn’t “deal” with me anymore. This ripped my heart out. If a family member was battling cancer or heart disease would we just not “deal” with them anymore? Of course not. This is no different. It’s a legit health related disease that they are battling.

4. Don’t quit on them. It’s not going to be easy…it’s going to be hard. You may see no progress, no reciprocation, nothing. You may be pushed away. You may feel forgotten. You are not. I wanted to quit….I tried to quit, but guess what…the people that loved me and stuck with me did NOT allow me to quit. And that is what I needed. That’s why I’m here.

To those of you who love me, didn’t quit on me, and remained steadfast in your support….thank you! I love you too! As I look back from where I am now, it means the WORLD!

To those that decided to move on and determined that I didn’t fit in your life….it’s ok. It really is. It’s hard at times to live with someone that struggles with their mental health. It’s hard to understand and comprehend something you have never experienced. I don’t hate you. In fact, I probably still love you…and always will.

Grace, love, understanding, empathy, and forgiveness are key for both the person struggling and their loved ones.

Well…I’ll shut up now. Thanks for listening. Pray I helped someone. If you have any specific questions or topics you would like for me to cover..reach out! I’m an open book. Send me a message on Facebook or instagram..whatever.

Blessings,

Tate