Wow! What an adventure this blog has been already! Thank you all so much for reading, sharing, tweeting and most importantly talking about this blog! I have several reasons for sharing this experience with others, but the most important reason is to start the conversation. AND keep the conversation going!
I have been completely humbled by the number of people who have shared their stories with me in the few short weeks since I started posting. I’m grateful for the discussions and for the openness about the experiences. It has not surprised me that many people who have or are dealing with mental health situations have met nose to nose with the social stigma that is associated with this subject.
This blog has been read by people all over the world from the USA to Australia, Greece, South Africa and most recently Lebanon! I received emails from many who are dealing with similar experiences. This process allows me to continue to share my story and within it, to heal the still healing parts within my own soul. It also allows for me to continue to highlight the need to understand and shift the belief systems around mental illness.
Thank you for reading and sharing in this journey with me.
Please keep this conversation going and feel free to email me your thoughts, ideas or stories to FarfromParadiseBlog@gmail.com.
Also, If you haven’t already, join me on twitter at @farfrmparadise where I am sharing more information, tools, resources and positive thoughts to keep the momentum going.
HAPPY EASTER FROM LEBANON!!!
And to you! 🙂
I read your blog and feel the pain my Mom must have felt when she was sitting with me in psychiatric emergency. The initial hospitalization and diagnosis was traumatic to say the least. I’m in Canada and here we have the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. My parents attended an 8-week course on my illness (bipolar disorder) and i suspect it was some group therapy as well. Not sure where you are, but hope you find the support you need and deserve. We used a plastic folio for all the notes and blood test results. My Mom did that for me. Your job may appear thankless and overwhelming, but i promise your presence means the world to your son and is more therapy then anything any health care system could provide…unconditional love. May your son find wellness in his journey. Best advice I’ve had is that wellness is 50% meds (not an east journey) and 50% lifestyle (structured, consistent sleep, good nutrition, exercise).
Thank you so much for your comments! It is the unconditional love that keeps us going each day! I think that the plastic folio is such a great idea too! I use a notebook with a pocket folder in the front that many of the “critical” papers stored there. I thought of posting a picture of it. The poor tattered notebook has been on quite a journey with us! Wish you continued health and wellness! Blessings