I am part of a Facebook group for spouses of people with Bipolar Disorder. Sometimes, I just need someone to talk to who understands exactly what I'm going through. As wonderful as my husband is, sometimes his wife needs to talk behind his back. I know he feels the same way sometimes.
What do you do when you need a sounding board? Do you write in a journal? Do you pray or meditate? Do you cry or lash out at everyone around you? Or...do you ignore the feelings and pretend nothing ever happened?
For people who experience mental illness, either directly or through contact with a loved one, emotions can be overwhelming. Rage can wreak havoc on a person who is Bipolar who is trying to manage a conflict. Confusion can torment a person with schizophrenia who is trying to make a decision. Despair can rob a person with depression of the hope they need to live a successful life. Fear can overshadow the life of a parent or spouse of a person who is mentally ill.
In the same way that alcohol use makes life unmanageable for alcoholics emotions can overtake the life of a person with mental illness. For that reason, the Alcoholics Anonymous steps and traditions were modified for use with emotional problems. Emotions Anonymous was born in 1971.
I encourage you to make use of all of the resources available to you. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or are having sleep disturbances, contact your family doctor. He may refer you to a psychiatrist, therapist, or support group in your area. In the meantime, reach out to a friend or minister you trust. You might even search on the internet for resources online. Don't suffer alone when help is available.
What do you do when you need a sounding board? Do you write in a journal? Do you pray or meditate? Do you cry or lash out at everyone around you? Or...do you ignore the feelings and pretend nothing ever happened?
For people who experience mental illness, either directly or through contact with a loved one, emotions can be overwhelming. Rage can wreak havoc on a person who is Bipolar who is trying to manage a conflict. Confusion can torment a person with schizophrenia who is trying to make a decision. Despair can rob a person with depression of the hope they need to live a successful life. Fear can overshadow the life of a parent or spouse of a person who is mentally ill.
In the same way that alcohol use makes life unmanageable for alcoholics emotions can overtake the life of a person with mental illness. For that reason, the Alcoholics Anonymous steps and traditions were modified for use with emotional problems. Emotions Anonymous was born in 1971.
I encourage you to make use of all of the resources available to you. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or are having sleep disturbances, contact your family doctor. He may refer you to a psychiatrist, therapist, or support group in your area. In the meantime, reach out to a friend or minister you trust. You might even search on the internet for resources online. Don't suffer alone when help is available.
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