I wanted to share a very personal topic with all of you. I had a conversation with my beautiful and caring wife last night that put a lot into perspective for me. I have been struggling with the acceptance of a close family members “mental illness” for most of my life. I have been very resentful for the situation and not very open minded or forgiving. You see; my mom is manic depressive bi-polar. She has missed my childhood activities, graduation, and even my wedding day. I found it very difficult to excuse these types of behavior and have led me to have a “hardened heart” toward the whole diagnosis.

Can someone go through life’s tragedies and have an actual excuse for their actions? Could prescription drugs be a life sentence for some people and waive their responsibility in life? I believe that most people believe so. I would like to inform you all that I used to believe that this was unacceptable for any one person with a mental illness. That life is always dealt in a fashion that can be personally overcome with a prober outlook. However; there is the occasion when help is needed and sometimes required to get through to the next day.

Please be kind to those around you that need this help. Show love and encouragement to get the help they need to overcome. It is vital that all of us do this. Emotional scaring needs to be addressed in order for anyone to move to self improvement; and then to ultimate health and well being. A simple label or remedy may be a beneficial outcome for temporary relief to get them over that hurdle and into the growth and healing that they so desperately need and deserve.

To all the people that do have a struggle with mental health; please seek the help that you may need. Please use all the means necessary to become the person you are seeking to be. Stay strong and hold tight to the family and friends that support you during this time. Understand that this should be used freely and with a great amount of care to get through the times you are enduring. Try every chance you get to find the fulfillment in life that will bring you through the struggle and give yourself the opportunity to gain the personal freedom that you can achieve in health and wellness. Grow physically, mental, heal emotionally and gain a spiritual awareness to help you be the person you want to be; happy.

Life is too short to stay in the sorrow, or be angry at the person who is stuck in the pits of depression. Heal now, grow tomorrow, and look ahead to the success you all can have in a happy, healthy life. Take care and know that each of you are not alone.