I pledge my commitment to the Blog for Mental Health 2014 Project. I will blog about mental health topics not only for myself, but for others. By displaying this badge, I show my pride, dedication, and acceptance for mental health. I use this to promote mental health education in the struggle to erase stigma.
I blog about mental health because of the impact it has had on my life. At the age of 20, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. A few months later, I was diagnosed with ADHD. For the past 6 years, I have seen several psychiatrists, therapists, and holistic doctors to try and find the right treatment for me. I have been on almost every medication on the market for mental health conditions.
I have an extremely difficult time working a traditional 9-5 job, so I refuse to do so. I have been lucky enough to find a career in health and a couple odd jobs to pay the bills. Over the past 8 years, I have accumulated so much debt (shopping sprees when hypomanic and depressed) that I had to consolidate all of it (or it would have taken me 14-16 years to pay off). I am not able to keep a credit card (either my mom or my boyfriend has them).
My moods are extremely unpredictable, I rapid cycle, and I have a lot of mixed episodes (which are physically painful for me). I have a lot of acquaintances, but I’ve always had a very difficult time keeping close friends or being included. I’m socially awkward (even though my career is extremely social). When I am depressed (which is most of the time), I have no desire to participate in life. I’m actually a little surprised that I have made it to 26 years old.
Anyway, I blog for mental health to eradicate stigma. It’s difficult enough living with bipolar disorder, but the stigma behind it causes myself and others to feel shame. To be embarrassed, afraid, alone, quiet, judged, left out, and the list goes on. I am learning to love myself and accept myself, and take pride in who I am. But not all of us have the support to do that. I blog about mental health for those people.
Join the movement! Become a blogger for mental health 2014 by going to the original post here: http://acanvasoftheminds.com/2014/01/07/blog-for-mental-health-2014/
lyndsinreallife
Amazing story, Lyndsay! You’re an inspiration 🙂
Thank you so much Jessica!! I really appreciate that 🙂
Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would
be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and
look forward to new posts.
Thank you! Yes I do use Twitter. Not often, but my blog posts are always posted on Twitter. @getfitwithlynds
You are very brave to open up your world to others that they too may learn to love and accept themselves as they are, while still seeking for higher ground. Your honesty is very touching. Thank you for sharing. twitter@JoieFaulk
Thank you so much Joie! I really appreciate your kind words 🙂
Hello,
All I can say is, eating healthy as early as possible will prevent all those mental illness to happen because vitamins you got from eating healthy food fights mental illness.
Thanks
Well, eating healthy does not and cannot prevent bipolar disorder, because bipolar disorder is genetic.
Eating healthy is VERY important, yes. But if someone’s brain chemistry is off, then mental illness is going to happen.
Thanks for commenting!
Thorough cleansing keeps the skin free of excess oil, dirt, sweat, and makeup, and leaves a nice, clean base for your acne treatment products.