tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post6289620151390841050..comments2024-03-16T18:38:45.773+11:00Comments on Josie's Juice: "Mental illness: I am so passionate about de-stigmatising it"Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12993284110948167183noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-72095319703447589502012-05-04T00:29:56.817+10:002012-05-04T00:29:56.817+10:00I was also reluctant to comment earlier, however a...I was also reluctant to comment earlier, however after reading everyone's amazingly honest posts I felt compelled. This is a topic that is very close to my heart & whilst I'm not a doctor nor do I pretend to be an expert in this area, it is something that I do know a great deal about, because of circumstance. <br /><br />Not only my personaI can totally relate to Veronica's story. Sadly circumstance can play a huge role in emotional disorders, such as anxiety & depression. Unlike Laury's amazing frankness about her journey with bi-polar - KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-2190415682319581572012-05-04T00:29:11.635+10:002012-05-04T00:29:11.635+10:00I... don't even know what to say, Laury: your ...I... don't even know what to say, Laury: your level of frankness equally utterly breathtaking and brilliant, again, because it opens up HUGE opportunities for discussion and honesty. Thank you, thank you... you have no doubt helped LOTS of people... more than you'll ever know... hugs xJosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12993284110948167183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-71870122190083279472012-05-04T00:27:11.458+10:002012-05-04T00:27:11.458+10:00It's also so important for people to understan...It's also so important for people to understand the treatments and how even when a person is well the struggle doesnt really stop. <br /><br />I also have to take medication for the rest of my life- in my case, huge volumes of lithium, which whilst being a wonder drug in so many ways also comes with its own set of problems. <br /><br />I have to have regular bloodtests (every 6 weeks or so) to check my blood toxicity levels, it can cause liver damage because its so toxic, and thyroid dysfunction, plus theres the whole minefield of having children, being weaned off it, psychiatrists consulting the obstetrician every step of the way and then actually having lithium in the delivery room to fire you up with it the moment you've given birth. <br /><br />Staying well is a continual struggle and you are always, always only too aware that madness is just the other side of the door xx - LauryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-48556428594759363932012-05-04T00:26:03.065+10:002012-05-04T00:26:03.065+10:00Thanks SO much for posting that, VM - again, the m...Thanks SO much for posting that, VM - again, the more we talk openly about it, the more it will be de-stigmatised. You are wonderfully brave for speaking up, and I have NO doubt you have just helped the several hundred people who will eventually read this. Hugs xxJosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12993284110948167183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-66198034111914844722012-05-04T00:25:05.831+10:002012-05-04T00:25:05.831+10:00Josie, thanks for sharing... I have to say I was r...Josie, thanks for sharing... I have to say I was reluctant to comment earlier after having read this but decided to anyway as it may help someone else. <br /><br />I have struggled with anxiety disorders now for the past 6 years... mostly brought on by circumstances and personal tragedies. I also have someone close to me who was diagnosed with a mental illness just four years ago and will have to take medication for it for the rest of their life. <br /><br />This topic is very personal and close to my heart and their definately needs to be more awareness out there and understanding. - VMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-74775702923190103622012-05-04T00:24:08.720+10:002012-05-04T00:24:08.720+10:00This comment has been removed by the author.Josiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12993284110948167183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-79870358859357698712012-05-04T00:23:19.174+10:002012-05-04T00:23:19.174+10:00Wow, Laury - what a fantastic, frank comment you p...Wow, Laury - what a fantastic, frank comment you posted... I am so glad you enjoyed the read and so very impressed with the work you do. <br /><br />And more power to you for working with instead of against the challenges you face. I think a forum like this is essential so that people understand what it all means and what it looks like. <br /><br />Like anything, ignorance on such a topic is almost dangerous. My friend will be so positive and happy with your feedback and feelings on the piece. Hugs xxJosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12993284110948167183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-27956011871776851022012-05-04T00:21:48.327+10:002012-05-04T00:21:48.327+10:00This is a really moving piece Josie, I am absolute...This is a really moving piece Josie, I am absolutely passionate about raising awareness for mental health issues-having suffered with bipolar disorder for over 20 years-I do a lot of work with the British mental health charity, Mind, who at the moment have a Time to Change campaign, trying to educate the public that the mentally ill are not people to be scared of, and it's not contagious-as many people seem to believe!!! <br /><br />Living with mental illness, rounds of medication, hospital admissions, teams of doctors etc is absolutely gut-wrenching, it robs people of their lives, and their hope. But it is important to know that you can lead a good, fulfilled life, even with a mental illness, you just learn to live around it, that's why it's so important that people speak out, as your friend has done with this article. Bravo! - LauryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419354252042668055.post-20372786068040770882012-05-03T22:05:30.285+10:002012-05-03T22:05:30.285+10:00A very touching tribute to the reality of this con...A very touching tribute to the reality of this condition. I too am a sufferer of depression and anxiety and I too have confronted the ignorance of "it will be a brighter day tomorrow", or "depression is just a teary day". We (you and me) live in a seemingly lonely world yet so many people walking beside us struggling with the same symptoms, same fears, same dehabilitation. We are lonely in the sense that these people will not label their condition for fear of judgement. We are lonely in the sense that not everyone has the willpower or internal strength to confront this ill and make a concerted effort every day to beat what is trying to keep us down. I feel trapped in my emotions often and it's hard to find someone to understand you or empathaise in your struggle, or even escape from it all. All I can say is that people like you and me who have this inner strength are actually blessed because we have God continually walking beside us, reminding us of His love for us and allowing us to take our steps independently whilst guiding us through each day. I hope your journey continues to strengthen you and that life brings you more love, happiness and peace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com