There are so many people that are walking around at this very moment in a state of panic,
depression, or obsessive ness.  Yet, they have no idea that what they are feeling is not normal.

Being diagnosed with (for example) G.A.D. is no different than being diagnosed with any other
illness.  Just like any other illness it needs to be treated.  When treated correctly and in a
timely manor, the chances are very good that you will become better within a couple of weeks.  
Just like any other illness, if it is not treated it will manifest itself.

It doesn't make you crazy.  I get so sick of hearing that word in relation to mental illness.  Just
like the old term "insane asylum".  It is a medical condition.  If you are feeling depression,
anxiety, or not right… get some help.  There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of.  

The few people that have unkind or hurtful things to say about it are just ignorant (and I use
that word with its true definition).  It doesn't make them bad people, they just don't understand
it.  It really sucks, I know.  The misconceptions about mental illness are directly related to
people's ignorance.  I believe that is why it is so taboo.

The important thing to consider is that if you have a hard time getting through everyday life
and something traumatic happens… what then?

If you already feel so horrible that you cry over stuff that shouldn't bother you, obsess over
things that really have no importance, or you panic over small things… what happens when you
(for example) lose a loved one?  That is unbearable to deal with even when your brain is in
balance.  If your brain isn't in balance and something horrible happens that is when it can easily
get so bad that you might not be able to recover properly.

Looking back at my mother, looking at my older sister, and looking at me, I would swear that it
is hereditary.   

I am not a doctor.  These things I have stated are my opinions.  I am not trying to diagnose
anyone.  I'm just hoping that people will take what I have been through, pull some courage
from it and get the help they need when they need it.  

If you are worried about confidentiality, most family doctors are very capable of diagnosing and
treating these illnesses.  It's not something you have to tell anyone and it normally doesn't
require a specialist.  

Another thing is… if you have waited longer than you should to get treatment and you are
feeling so bad that you aren't sure you can make it through a day, take the time to pick up the
phone and ask family and friends for help.  Even if you haven't talked to them in a year there
is always someone you can count on.  

Having a strong support system helps you stay well when you are well, helps you get better
when you aren't well, and helps you stay well once you become well.  A support system full of
loving individuals is priceless at all times in your life but it is essential when you are feeling
your worst.

The good news is that once you are well, you may not need to take medication all your life.  It
varies from person to person.

Once you have been diagnosed and you feel better again, it is much easier to see the signs in
advance.  It's hard to see the signs when you don't know what real living is like anymore.  
When you have been in a certain mental state for years, it seems like it's normal.  Once you
see that light, feel those bricks lift from your shoulders, and there is color to the world again, it
is pretty easy to tell when those bad symptoms start creeping back.  It is much easier to
manage once you are aware of exactly what's wrong.

All of you that are still in a state of denial, such as I was, at least do it for those around you
that care for you.  It doesn't hurt to make an appointment and go see a doctor.  

Although, there are still far too many stigmas about mental health, we have come a long way
since the days of doctors traveling from "asylum" to "asylum" to perform lobotomies with
flippin' ice picks (no shit).

Health, peace, love, and kindness…

Cindy Callinsky

Love you Mom, Kay Kay, and Angie!
Thank you
Constant Content
for stepping up to write personal articles regarding Mental Illness.   You all are
wonderful...
I appreciate it so very much.
~Cindy
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