Thoughts, Facts, and a Promise
Jen Flatt Osborn
Freelance Writer -- on-page SEO blogs, articles, and more -- for the pet industry. Looking for an animal-loving, expert writer? You just found one.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the recognition means the world to me. I was diagnosed with bipolar and acute anxiety when I was 23-years-old, but I know I was born with it. I've had symptoms since I was 5-years-old.
The stigma of mental illness has been alive and well forever and although there has been progress, we're nowhere near where we need to be in our country.
We need education so more people can be informed, more money to supply beds, access to healthcare, and professionals in our school system starting in elementary school, and less judgment.
I started teaching my daughter about mental health from the time she could talk. I wanted her to understand my own diagnosis and to be a voice for those who can't or won't speak out for themselves. Teaching her, age-appropriately, about my journey is something I'm proud of.
I've been a huge advocate for decades and have a Facebook group for people to have support even if they're just lurkers. Mental illness isn't a weakness and those who have it are Warriors -- we deal with it daily PLUS face the regular problems of life.
If you'd like to help our walk:
> USE THE HASHTAG #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
> DONATE time or money to NAMI.org, afsp.org, crisistextline.org, or another reputable organization.
> BE THERE without judgment or your opinions for someone with mental illness.
> ENCOURAGE those who are affected to visit a mental healthcare provider.
> EDUCATE yourself. RESEARCH the disorder -- it's not a disease.
> REALIZE it can't be cured, only managed.
I could go on (I've written a book on mental illness and suicide) but I'll leave you with this: If you're affected and have no support, I'm here for you (promise) -- DM me -- along with so many others who understand your situation.
Don't go through this alone. I've been there and I care about you. Never forget that with effort, you CAN have a fulfilling life.
Love,
A Warrior
#mentalillness #suicide #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #bipolar #mentalhealth
Follow me at #AllThingsPromise
NLP Coach | Helping you quit self-sabotage and procrastination | Find your calm and confidence so you can build the life and business you want.
3 年Well done Jen for being such a positive role model for your daughter and others. Mental health is something that so often gets brushed under the carpet - too uncomfortable to talk about. Bravo to you for talking about it and being a support to others in their journey with it. It's not something you can 'get over' - it's an intrinsic part of us. x ??????
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3 年Beautiful and touching article Jen! Well done for being a positive voice and support for mental health! Thanks.