Mental Illness

I tend to stay away from the news. I don’t watch it on TV and I don’t read the newspaper. However, there are times when I log onto the internet and a story catches my attention. Tonight was one of those nights. After reading an article about another mother in Texas that murdered her child, I was compelled to write this post. For so many people, this subject is taboo. No one wants to talk about it until something tragic happens. No one says a word until a mother cuts off the limbs of her 3 and 1/2 week old son. No one says a word until she rips his brains from his head. If this seems a bit graphic, GOOD!!!!!! That is my intent. I want people to understand that mental illness is REAL. It’s a REAL ILLNESS!!!!! Just like cancer or diabetes or high blood pressure. Ladies, it’s real. And just as there is no shame in cancer or diabetes or high blood pressure, there is no shame in mental illness.

Some people may call it postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Others will give it a less technical name. They will say she was just plain crazy. Whatever you call it, call it something. Please don’t ignore it. Ignoring it does not make it go away. I have yet to read a story such as this without someone mentioning that they knew the mother had a history of mental illness. Yet, they leave that mother unattended with her child. Why is that? I think it’s because people really don’t have clue as to the seriousness of mental illness. As illustrated in the story I read, mental illness can be fatal.

As women, we have been conditioned to just deal with things. We have been taught by our family and society to be quiet about our anxieties. If we are feeling anxious, depressed, nervous, uneasy, we have learned to self medicate. We turn to drinking, smoking, eating, not eating, sex. Which does nothing for what is really going on with us. As a matter of fact, it only heightens the problem. Those types of ‘fixes’ are only temporary and may even cause more harm.

I am a firm believer in natural healing. I endeavor to eat well, to exercise my body and mind, to pray and meditate. I have found that in doing so, I am able to ease a great deal of the anxieties I may begin to feel. However, I am not so naive to think that natural healing is for everyone and for every cause. Although I am not an advocate of over the counter or prescription drugs, there are times when such measures need to be taken. If at any time, you feel overwhelmed and you are unable to cope seek help. Whether it’s your mate, a family member, your spiritual leader or your physician…..get help. Remember we all need help at some time in our lives and there is no shame in that.

In love,

J-licious