People assumed that since I worked in medicine I had an abundance of support, but to be honest I believe I felt more pressure to keep my dark friend hidden. There is even a stigma that exists in the medical field because mental health disorders still come with a lack of understanding and fear. They are not necessarily something you can see with an ultrasound or view under a microscope, so it is that unknown that causes misunderstanding.
As a registered nurse of 17 years I have worked with many patients who had a mental health diagnosis, but had I not looked at their chart I would have never known. I cannot even count on my two hands how many patients I have cared for whom were struggling. The fact of the matter is they are out there and by being silent we close a door that needs to be open.
Be emotionally honest. If you are having a dark day or difficult time do not deny it entry into your spirit. By doing so you are only putting off the inevitable and could be making it worse. We live in a world where happiness is advertised on every street corner, but they should simply be showing us how to embrace it all. Emotions are meant to exist.
No one ever asks for mental illness to enter his or her home. I certainly did not ask for the moment that brought PTSD and depression into my spirit when I was younger. So many days when I could barely get out of bed or moments where tears were all that I knew. I remember the day that one of my therapists introduced me to running.
So now I hold my daughter tight. Let selfish be a word of the past and warrior be our future. Those who fight mental illness are warriors battling against chemicals that are twisted and turned the wrong way. Let us continue.
