We Are All In This Together.

My blog's underlying ideals has been and always will be, a demonstration that my mental health concerns are only a small part of who I am.  That I endeavour to live with, rather than, suffer from my mental illness. This blog is about bringing awareness and further understanding that mental illness need not be a taboo subject.  Anyone who is experiencing mental health issues should not feel ashamed.  The shame should lie within those who would place unfair stigmas, labels and stereotypes on those who are battling with inner turmoil.  We have to realise that we are all in this together.

I have received a number of emails from people who are struggling.  Who seek, comfort, advice and encouragement.  And thus, my friend, if you are struggling, do not suffer in silence.  We can, through verbalisation and seeking out positive resources and distractions, get that one step closer to that quality of life we so richly deserve.

There are those amongst us who have never experienced mental illness and would all to easily dismiss us as being weak.  'Get a grip', they tell us.  Yet, what they do not understand is that mental illness can happen to anyone.  And if it ever happens to them, then they would know and would understand, it's more than just 'getting a grip'.  So very much more.

Mental illness can stem from being overwhelmed by a negative environment.   This is what we call "nurture".  Mental illness can be of the genetic variety or "nature".  And some have a combination of both nurture and nature.

What has to be learned is that nobody has the right to devalue your humanity.  If you are experiencing mental health concerns, rest assured, through reaching out and finding motivation, you will be inspired and in turn, inspire others to have a more positive life.  We become motivated by the need to achieve a positive outcome.

I shall do a number of postings over the next few weeks that can help cultivate healthy thinking and behaviour.

To end this posting, I give you a list of your personal rights which are conducive to assertive behaviour.

You have the right to express your feelings and opinions.
The right to say 'yes' or 'no'.
The right to change your mind.
The right to say, 'I don't understand'.
The right to be yourself without having to act for other people's benefit.
The right to decline responsibility for other people's problems.
The right to make reasonable requests of others.
The right to set your own priorities and make your own decisions.
The right to be listened to and taken seriously.
The right to change and grow.
The right to make mistakes, admit to and learn from them.
The right to be illogical in making decisions.
The right to be miserable or cheerful.
The right to be treated with respect.
The right to say 'no' without feeling guilty.
The right to express anger.
The right to be assertive.
The right to to take personal responsibility and to be independent.
The right to disagree.
The right to religious and political beliefs.
The right to information.
The right to privacy.
The right to economic status.
The right to be treated equally.