13. Support Networks
You will never know what you mean to us-those of us with a mental illness-that you support us.
Not financially, or physically, not all the time anyway. But emotionally and spiritually. That you can love us, through the very bad, through the very good, through the ups and downs and sideways, you still love us.
If you are reading this, and you are close to someone living with mental illness, know that you are appreciated more than we could ever say. If we don’t say it at all, we are sorry. There are things we are still learning to do.
If you are living with a mental illness, thank your support. You need them more than you probably realize.
If you are neither of the above, you are a rarity in the world. Know that one day you will probably care about someone with depression or bipolar disorder, and your support will save a life.
I am not asking you to bear the weight of that person’s life on your shoulders. That is too much to ask. No one can be everything to another person. Just know that your actions have an effect. Like a pebble thrown into a pond, our actions radiate to the world around us, and we all have the choice to make these actions positive or negative.
And people with mental illness, support each other, and support your support system when you are able to. Sitting down and talking to someone who has your diagnosis will help you both in ways you cannot imagine. Find an established support group, or start one. Be open to the experiences around you. Be listening, you’ll find that your brand of crazy probably attracts similar types.
Be open.
Love.
Be loved.