Post by Rhonda on Jan 24, 2006 22:11:46 GMT -5
An Inspirational Article on Mental Illness
Last autumn, I had a rare complication of shingles which has left one
side of my face uncooperative. In addition to its not hearing, the ear
has been damaged so that my balance is gone. Since my eyelid would not
close on its own, a doctor sewed it shut. There are other problems too.
But, my eye patch and crutches are quite evident. Before I graduated
to the crutches, I used a walker.
In this state, I've found the help of friends and strangers astounding.
People who see me walking along frequently stop and offer me rides.
Other shoppers only smile if my carriage mistakenly bumps theirs.
Clerks allow me extra time to find my license, checkbook, coupons, and
other little necessaries. Parishioners at my church have been the best.
They give me rides everywhere and are always giving me things to eat
and drink. I get fawned over at coffee hour and other gatherings.
Everyone has been so quick to notice my smallest advance and to share my
joy at another phase of my recovery. I could go on and on.
On the other hand, I have been mentally ill for years.
Most people do
not know it and those who do try to forget it. Most days, I pray that I
be allowed to die. I feel momentary joys, but they fade fast into
blackness. I am getting help and making some progress with this, but
the progress is slow and the disease is painfully debilitating. It is
for this ailment that I could use the help, tolerance, and
encouragement, even more than I enjoy the kindnesses which come to me
because of my physical problems.
The physical problems are a frustrating inconvenience--a huge, painful
inconvenience, but an inconvenience all the same. The depression is
life-threateningly, seeringly painful.
The help I have received for the physical limitations has given me the
courage to tell some of my psychological ills. Few believe when I claim
that the physical limitations are as nothing compared to the other.
But, they are trying to understand, and seem to love and accept me the
same as they did before I confessed to the mental problems.
The point of this whole thing, I guess, is to ask everyone to treat all
those in their paths as though they were wearing an eye patch and using
a walker. Because we never know who needs such implements for their
interiors. Grandma Bear