Hi there, I’m Stacey, and I’m a wife, pet mom, registered nurse, and amateur artist. Also, I have bipolar 2 disorder (gasp). I also have an anxiety disorder (double gasp). Aaaand I’m a “bad drinker” and former marijuana abuser (fall on floor). That’s right, I’m “mentally ill”, and I have NO shame about it. I know what you’re thinking… how can I not be ashamed of all these labels? How can I have a successful relationship AND a successful career if I’m “mentally ill”? (Oh how I loathe that phrase). First of all, I don’t care what others think. Secondly, let me tell you, I’m just as normal as you are with some chemical imbalances sprinkled in my brain. And guess what?! You don’t have to be mentally ill to be mentally ill (gasp again)! What I mean is, you don’t have to have a serious diagnosis like me to not be okay. I’m here to clarify what mental health (much better than mental illness) means, how this affects everyone on this planet, and how to take care of YOU!
First, I’m going to squash the term “mental illness”. Mental illness does NOT mean you have to be institutionalized. Mental illness does NOT mean you can’t have a successful career or relationship. Mental illness does NOT mean you can’t live life to its fullest. In fact, after I was given my diagnosis, everything made sense and I could finally live my life in full color. I’m not saying I haven’t had my obvious struggles. Truth:
- I was placed on a 5150 hold once (held in the hospital’s behavioral unit against my will for 72 hours),
- I have participated in an intensive outpatient therapy program,
- I continue to see a therapist weekly and must be compliant with my medications,
- I must think about sobriety every single day, and self-care activities take priority in my life.
- I have learned to live with my diagnoses so I can be a great wife, pet mom, nurse, and amateur artist.
MENTAL HEALTH refers to “the general condition of one’s mental and emotional state” (thanks Merriam Webster!). Just like our physical health, we MUST take care of our mental state as well. After all, we are no good to others if we don’t take care of ourselves first. Everyone has felt “down” or “blue” at some point in his or her lives, which is why this blog is for everyone.
The first step is becoming aware that we are not okay. This may seem obvious, but many people roam this earth completely unaware of their own feelings and behaviors. I know, crazy. To do this, take a minute to check in with yourself every day, and ask yourself: What are some feelings that describe me today? If sad, hopeless, anger or the like are the first to enter your mind, guess what? You’re NOT okay! And that’s okay! I promise. If you feel uncomfortable seeking out professional help, call a loved one. This could be a friend or family member, or anyone who you can trust. Believe me, your loved ones want to know. They would rather see you reach out for help than suffer in silence. And if you still feel uncomfortable, reach out to me. I am here for you, always.
Oh how I know what it’s like to not be okay. Another thing I know is that suffering does not have to be permanent. I learned this to be absolutely true, even when it feels like it will be forever. Pain in inevitable, but suffering is a choice. I know that may be a hard pill for some to swallow. I’m not saying it’s easy, because I know the struggle is REAL. This blog is dedicated to giving you the tools and skills to live life to it fullest. This blog is for every human who has a beating heart.
I leave you with this poem: Polar opposite, up and down, Award winning drama, where is my crown. Scene making and spills, that was my jam, Sobriety is now life, closed is the dam. It's okay to not be okay, from me to you, We all feel pain sometimes, feeling blue. Where do we go, who do we call, When things go awry, life's curveball. There's someone there, even a stranger, Call out for help, keep you from danger.
Xoxo,
Stacey
