Having the opportunity to reach many other people through a blog is a concept that is relatively new to me. My book ‘Hope Calling’ will also give me this opportunity – but is still in its publishing stages. Therefore having transparency and authenticity with other people is something I’m still learning how to do. I have spent a long time hiding my past, but now I am at the point where I am strong enough to tell it like it is!
So I ask of you, one thing. I simply ask that you hold off on your judgments, and try to see me, the person behind all of the stories and experiences, of which you probably don’t understand. People who have experienced mental illness are not bad people…or scary people. We are just like you…we have hopes and dreams; strengths and weaknesses; and basic needs. And in fact, when you look at what these people have been up against, you will see just how incredible and amazing they really are.
I want to tell my story to others who may have similar struggles, with the hope that if I can help anyone else my experiences have not been in vain. This has been the driving force for the development of my book. The other driving force is that possibility of being able to help families, friends and colleagues of people with mental health issues…the more people who have a non-judgmental understanding of mental illness…the better. This knowledge and understanding will help to stamp out stigma – that is still so rife in today’s society.
This is only my very first blog; and I have so much more to say to you. But I will end this initial blog with a little bit of advice for those people who are out there struggling. Practice gratitude on a daily basis – remember that things could always be worse. Appreciate the sunshine, appreciate the smile from a stranger and appreciate the funny television show that gives you a good belly laugh. Try and do this religiously, every day and I promise things will feel a little nicer; regardless of what your mental health diagnosis may be.
My favorite quote states ‘In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer’. (Camus, 1954) I think this quote speaks of the fact that no matter how dark things are sometimes, if you look really hard, you will always find something positive and good.
I’ll leave today’s blog on that note.
Please look after yourself, and treat yourself the way you would treat your best friend.
Because you deserve it.
Kate's Niche 