10/22/2024
Halloween is a "spooky" holiday, but not being able to walk with my kids again would be scarier.
Last year, I was basically bed bound from Alcoholism and depression. I could barely hand out candy to the trick or treaters without feeling like I was about to throw up or get the sweats/ shakes.
This year, I haven't touched alcohol since February 6th, but some damage remains ( neuropathy ). I have done physical therapy, and have exercises I can do at home now to help promote growth and healing .
Alcoholism and other diagnoses can definitely be frightening not only to the person struggling with their mental health, but to the caregivers and loved ones.
By being in a facility, I noticed that there is still so much stigmatized around the mental health scene. For example, whenever I was talking about my current situation being an alcoholic and then having depression, anxiety, psychotic episode, and even sometimes ADHD.
I am aiming to help be part of the change that reduces this stigma, even if it is simply sharing my stories in hopes that they might resonate with someone and encourage them to really seek the help/ care they need/ deserve.
.
If that someone is you: HI, I'm Irene. I'm a recovering alcoholic with several mental health issues, but you are here too.
Together, with all the quiet people as well even, we will talk more about these taboo diagnoses.
Together, we can shine the light on all the spooky preconceptions pertaining to mental health and hopefully shine the light bright enough so more people can see what is really there, rather than the scary shadows we have grown up with masking our ignorance/ darkness that surrounds the Mental Health field.
So today, I will do my best to shine, but to also be as honest with myself and others.
If you choose to join me in anyway, feel free to share a post and tag me in it. We got this and we are stronger together ❤️