This has been a week to write-up in the annals of all time. The experience that I have gained this week is nothing that I would wish on my worst enemy. However, what I have experienced has given me a huge, heaping, pile of gratitude. It has humbled me, taken me to a greater reliance on God and the people who He has given to walk this journey on, and most of all it has made me grateful.
Why do we have to have something go so horribly wrong to find gratitude for the simple things? Why do we have to have our world seemingly crumble to gain the right perspective?
This week my days were filled with concern, constant thinking, wondering, worry about whether my decisions had been right. I had panic attacks, moments of pure exhaustion, and hours of tears that just wouldn’t stop. I am so thankful that God surrounded us with friends, prayers, and His word.
I do want to share a small bit. If you have mental illness in your family, please take it seriously. Make sure that you watch the members of your family. Watch your kids, know the signs, know the signs for yourself and others. Get to know your family and know their limits. Know when it’s serious.
Classic warning signs:
- Depressed mood, feeling sad or empty
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Significant weight changes or changes in appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Agitation, restlessness, irritability
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Inability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt or a plan for completing suicide
These are just a few signs and I really want you to take note of the small changes. If these changes are persistent please don’t ignore them. Get your loved one help, get yourself help. Don’t take your own feelings lightly. If you are overwhelmed by your loved ones feelings, get help for yourself. There isn’t enough energy in the world to get you through it if your own emotions aren’t in check.
Some day I will share more of this journey that we walked through. If you are reading this and thinking that you or someone you know needs help, please seek it out. If you have questions please contact me. If your loved one is entertaining thoughts of hurting themselves in any way, please call the hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You are not alone, there are a lot of people to talk to.
