It’s World Mental Health Day today. An issue very near and important to me.
I’ve written about this many times before. I am a mental illness survivor. I’ve lost some of my closest friends to suicide. My eldest child is currently institutionalized. I even serve on the board of a mental health and wellness organization.
So, as you can imagine, this is a day of many mixed emotions for me. That said, the one that I keep coming back to is hope. I am full of hope that those that are suffering can find healing. Those that have been lost can leave lessons for those considering leaving. Those who think there is no help will find that there has never been more. Finally, I have hope that days like today will spread a little more of this hope as we confront, discuss, and step out of the shadows of mental illness.
Be help. Be hope.