When you want to move forward, you realize that you have to do something different, do something you have never done before, and it requires coming out of your comfort zone. When you press to do what may be (difficult and fearful) to become successful, or for the benefit of another, you have moved forward.
October is Depression and Mental Health Awareness Month.
MH is a topic that is rarely discussed in our homes, among families, in our workplaces, schools, and for as long as I can remember, it has been Hush! Hush! in many black communities.
Are you aware or close to someone due to long-term mental confusion, attempted or committed suicide? Have you asked yourself these questions? Where do I fit in helping to resolve some of these mental health issues that plague a vast number of our homes/society/nation? How can I be an influential advocate regarding mental health?
We all want to be mentally healthy. However, because of hereditary genes, life circumstances, unresolved childhood traumas, addictions, decision making, environmental status, etc. That is not always the case. Whatever the situation, one can be influential and helpful:
Encouragement is essential.
Provide or direct the person/family to self-help resources.
Demonstrate resilience, help the individual/family to cope, and to get through each day.
If relevant, tell your story. You will never know how much your transparency may help someone.
Treat the person/family kindly to ensure and to prevent no further blame and guilt are contributors to an already distressing situation.
Be transparent in sharing your story. If you prefer not to write it, you can always tell it. Someone is waiting to listen.
*I introduced my story of the unawareness of marrying into mental illness, the survival of the struggles, and the horrific challenges that come with living with mental illness. There are so many objectives for writing my story. I want to reference three of equal importance:
First, I believe each Reader will resonate in some way or another with the characters, troubled walls, and the various shadows discussed in my book and may relate to Chronic Paranoid Schizophrenia or some similar mental disorder. Second, we all react differently to people and situations when we do not understand. Perhaps the book will provide pointers on "doing unto others as you will have them do unto you." Third, I believe the book will share some insight on the following:
Perspectives, biases, and prejudiced views about people who are different
Shed light on some things you hadn't realized or understood about yourself.
The past may manifest in a way to help one come to grips with fears, hidden secrets, and motives and last help to move forward.
A list of Reads:
A Child Called It - Dave Pelzer
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health - Rheeda Walker PHD
Grace for the Afflicted - A Clinical Perspective on Mental Illness
Just Like Someone Without Mental Illness, Only More - Mark Vonnegut MD
Surviving Schizophrenia - Louise Gillet
Surviving Schizophrenia - Richard Carlson JR.
I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! Xavier Amador, Ph.D
Tell Your Children the Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence - Alex Berenson
* "Walking in the Shadow of a Schizophrenic / Power of forgiveness" Brenda L. Moore
Available now on the following sites:
Website - Through PayPal @ wisos-pof.com Buttons: Read More and Mental Health (My Mental State Article) WISOS / POF Blogs
amazon.com/dp/1955063133 ISBN -13 978-1955063135 Kindle E-Book
Barnesandnoble.com Nook
You can access my author pages:
amazon.com/author/brendalmoore55.com
https://www.facebook.com/Author-BrendaLMoore/?ef=pages_you_manage