Reminded of the Madness

There were years when I dreaded the hurricane season, not just because of the storms outside but because of the storm surge in my brain. I would often feel most of the pressures of emotional strain during this time period. Hurricane season meant that I would be unable to cope with the fluctuating mood and stress and anxiety often caused hospitalizations and panic attacks. I’m also reminded of the feeling of overwhelming fear that I would lose my job or feel the bitter taste of shame when I would return to work or school. I’m thankful for my illness being in remission but I have to wonder how others must feel that are still dealing with the pain of disruption caused by extreme depression and anxiety. Are you feeling these disruptive thoughts or do you know someone who has experienced this kind of anxiety or depression? I’m sure that most people have. This is one of the reasons why I feel that I need to get the discussion started about mental illness and how to deal with it in hopes of healing and starting a path forward to better understanding and wellbeing and wellness. Sometimes it can take some time to get there but healing can take place. You can get through this. I’m proof that you can.