We’re Back

I know it has been a long time. Life happened. It got hard to let people in on it. Not much has changed other than I have felt an overwhelming push to get active again. I don’t know if it is for my own therapy and healing or if it is to help others who may be going through the same dark struggle. Either way I am driven to write about the good, the bad and the ugly so hold on to your hats because the ride may be bumpy. It’s a lonely fight that ravages not only the knight who must wage war, but all those who love him. I know you may be lonely, depressed or anxious. Know that you are not alone. In a country where those with mental illness, regardless of the type, are treated as societal outcasts who just need to suck it up instead of being treated just like those who suffer from any other illness it only makes the problem worse. The stigma associated with depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and all the others causes those who suffer to do so in silence. THIS ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH! We are failing each other. We need to be there for each other. Please reach out to those around you who may be suffering. Please help create an atmosphere of inclusion instead of one of exclusion. One where we genuinely care about the well-being of those around us.

What are your Dragons?

Everyone has them. Not all are seen. Not all are heard. They are there. They are standing guard protecting man’s greatest treasure. Happiness. Some days our Dragons are more visible, other days they are invisible to all but the brave soul waging war to seek out the treasure of happiness. While I struggle with my own Dragons, the ones that seem to win more often than not are the ones I have to watch my sweet son battle. As a mother, nothing is more heart-wrenching than sending him in to battle against his Invisible Dragons. I give him the weapons, support, encouragement and help that I can along the way but in the end it is a battle he must wage on his own; at 5. It is a battle most will never understand and one that he is constantly judged for. When the adversary is invisible, the judgements are harsher. None of us see the size, strength or determination of the foe. All we see are the times the knight falls down, drops his sword, loses his resolve. We don’t understand the quest he is on nor how vigilant he must be to protect himself from the Dragon while on his quest to find the treasure. Let us all be a little more understanding, patient, kind and loving as we see others struggling against their invisible Dragons.

May we all take a moment to ask ourselves, “What are my Dragons and how can I make progress in my quest to secure that treasure they are so skillfully guarding?”

If we are truly honest with ourselves, I’m sure the answers will surprise. My hope is that as I share some of our experiences, positive and negative, with my son’s Dragons that others will find support, strength and encouragement to wage battle.