I went to the mental health unit (some would call it the psych ward) at our local hospital to see a client today. It’s the first time I ever done that. Some would say it’s a blurring of boundaries to do so. I decided I didn’t care because this woman needed to know she has support—I follow what my ‘gut’ tells me a lot. So I went.
It’s a sad place to go. You know there’s so much inner turmoil there; struggles beyond belief; unexplained thoughts, actions and feelings. Medications are being poured out like a quick moving river in the hopes that the emotional rapids will be negotiated and calmer waters will prevail. Try this one; try that one, until the right combo is be reached.
For anyone who has not struggled with mental illness it is difficult, if not impossible, to understand. Just stop thinking that way—pull yourself up by the boot straps and carry on—just eat that food, what’s the big deal. Yes, no one knows the hell that these poor souls endure and all the education in the world will only bring a person a wee bit closer to understanding. Experience is the only real professor in this classroom.
As I sat and talked with this lovely young woman I knew that she can not see the beauty in herself that I can see. She never does. We’ve talked about it before. So how do we as those ‘not’ fighting mental health issues help those who are? The potential for greatness sits inside this woman waiting to explode. She’s intelligent, charming and attractive. She has every positive quality you could imagine that would catapult her to health and happiness. The problem is, she just doesn’t see it or believe it. The voices in her head are louder.
I have no words of wisdom for today’s blog other than to say be kind to those who you do not understand. Love them for who they are and not who you want them to be. And be kind to yourself. Embrace all the beautiful aspects of who you are and accept those parts of you that you don’t like quite so much. If you feel down, depressed and don’t have healthy love for yourself, find someone to help you work toward it. Read books that will direct you to it and do it now. You’re so worth it.