I was lonely back then, back seven and a half years ago when I had just been told I was facing mental illness. Two stints in a psych ward and it was apparent to the doctors but I was still in denial. I was so lonely.
I longed for someone to talk to who knew what I was feeling. Someone other than a psychiatrist or a therapist or a group leader in an outpatient program. They only studied these symptoms in a textbook. How could they really know what I was going through? They didn’t, in my mind.
Writing would become my call for help. My attempt to erase the loneliness by telling my story to see if there were others out there feeling my same feelings.
There were. There are. And it’s a relief to no longer feel lonely in this life with mental illness.
Today, nearly two years to the day from when I started this blog, I feel so far from lonely. Instead, I feel the compassionate hugs this community of readers, fellow bloggers, friends and family have wrapped around me.
Bipolar Mom Life 
Community is so essential to healing. And to continuing to walk through the world of mental illness. I’m so glad you have that community. :)
Yes, I totally agree. Thank you for reading and being part of my community, Katy. :)
Hi Jenn, It’s so nice to meet you. Thanks so much for visiting my blog so I could find my way to yours. Thanks for being candid and sharing your struggles. Writing is such a wonderful balm for troubles of any sort. But, of course, prayer is the very best tool. It’s through prayer, especially the listening part, the Lord strengthens and renews our minds. I’m so glad you’re finding open arms in the blogging community. I’ve found the same, every day; encouragement, inspiration, and a lot of times, conviction. It’s all good! Wrapped with you in Him!!
I know where you are coming from; I was diagnosed with depression in my early 20s but it wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I was properly diagnosed with bipolar 2. Life isn’t easy for us, but together, we can make it :) Definitely going to start following you now! Come visit me….found you via 5 Minute Friday. You weren’t the blogger before me but when I saw the title of your blog, I had to find you!
Patty
I am so glad you have found people on the web that opened their hearts and arms to you! I fluffier from Fm/CFS and have found exactly the same.
Luv XX
Mia
I’m so glad we both found such wonderful support. :) Thanks for reading, Mia!
Do you ever feel lonely, now? Like in your own mind?
I do.
I have a wife and 3 daughters. They’re walking rays of sunshine who support/put up with me (although my almost 10-year-old is showing signs of my mental stuff) but there are days, sometimes weeks, where I feel all alone inside my head/heart/whatever. I know that’s the bi-polar, but still, it’s tough to shake, well, it’s f’n impossible to shake.
good post…hang in there
Sure, I have times like that. There are plenty of times when I’m left to deal with my troubles in my own mind. I try to embrace them and those moments seems to pass quickly. I’ve learned through the years that when I accept those feelings, acknowledge them, it makes it easier.
Thanks for reading, friend. :)
It is a sweet communion to have others come alongside and build us up towards joy, towards life, towards Heaven. So glad you have known community and friendship!
Yes, it sure is! Thank you for stopping by, Jean Marie. :)