[darling1]

i think many of you long time posters may recall this but i shared my story of mental illness. i also have bipolar disorder and was clinically depressed for many years. i have taken meds, been in therapy and when i had my children dealt with postpartum depression. with my daughter i did some preventative things to help prepare for the possibility.

the fact is we dont talk about it because its dirty and an ugly thing. from my experience many people that have dealt with mental illness also have a history of abuse which is part of the ugliness.

i feel the more we talk about it and share our stories, the empowered we are and the more other people will be willing to share their stories.


when you have a death in the family the grieving process is difficult. the best thing you can do in that situation is to be available to your loved one. grief takes time to handle. @bluetang, you are doing the best thing by supporting your friend. give her space and definitely encourage her to seek a support group. maybe you can go so far as to go with her during that first meeting. also, prayer changes things, so pray on her behalf that she can get thru this roughpatch.