Saturday, February 23, 2013

I'm Still Here


Sent by Elizabeth for her Valentines swap

Several blogging friends have asked about my absence. We've had our minds elsewhere, for sure.  Our youngest son was in the hospital for 11 days and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. We knew there was something wrong for quite awhile, but he knew it was more than just depression. We are so proud of him that he came to us and let us know how he was feeling. Now he is back in his apartment with his friends from college and taking his meds and going to therapy. We are very optimistic for him!

I debated about saying anything about this here, but I want to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. I suffer from anxiety disorder, which is very common as is depression. The best way is to talk about it and not hide it away and be ashamed. I hope others out there will feel they can do the same.

I will be back soon with an announcement and a giveway. Stay tuned!

14 comments:

Sunny Simple Life said...

I think we have to be open minded about mental illness. What is the difference between that and any other type of illness? I am glad he is doing better. I know that had to break your heart. Like Dr. Phil says,"You are only as happy as your saddest child." It is so true. Such a worry being a parent. We have our issues around here too raising four girls as you can imagine.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Dear Cindy,
You must have been so worried. You are right. We need to be more open about mental health, so that the stigma is removed. I am so glad that the doctors and therapists are going to be able to help your son. One of my friends has a college-aged daughter who was recently diagnosed as bipolar, too. I think it is one of those things that seems to show up in the early 20's.
Our son came home for a quick visit this weekend. But time passed too quickly and now he's back at school. Loved having him here, but the goodbye part is really hard for me. How I wish I could turn back the hands of time and keep both of my kids here with me forever.

Darla said...

Thank you so much for this post. I just posted a few days ago about by chronic, intractable depression which I have had since childhood (diagnosed age 8). Ill be 53 in a few more months and, people just dont understand what it is like to be afflicted with a chemical imbalance of the brain. So much judgement . Thank you for coming forth.
smiles
LiBBy BuTTons

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

I very much agree, depression and bi-polar needs to be something we all offer support and understanding for. You must be so proud that your son is being pro-active towards his health and well being. My Dear Mother suffered from severe depression and never received treatment because of the stigma. I just know she would have been so much happier if she felt free to receive proper treatment. Thank you for speaking openly about this and I wish your son and your family the very best.

Diane Mars said...

So glad to see your back! I know how life can get in the way of our blogging strange isn't that. I have had so much going on but I keep blogging it helps me with my Etsy Shop and yet life does get crazy. So happy to hear you are making progress with your son, that is super! Hang in there.. Hugs, Diane

Solstitches said...

What a pretty pincushion you received from Elizabeth in the swap. Beautiful roses too.
I'm glad your son is doing so much better now with support from family and good friends.

Margaret

Diane Mars said...

Yes, pretty cool that all I had to do was ask... but of course I will be making these girls a special something for their generosity .. if there is ever anything you are looking for let me know. Hugs, Diane

vivian said...

hi Cindy, oh our kids... they just keep us on edge dont they? I worked with a lot of bi-polar people over the years. I bet now that your son in on the right meds he'll be just fine. Its good that he can come to you. I hope all will fall into a more comfortable normal pattern for you and your son now.
((hugs!))
vivian

GardenOfDaisies said...

Hi Cindy, please send me an e-mail with your mailing address. I hope to have your Easter spoolie swap ready to go in about a week. :-)

GardenOfDaisies said...

PS- Do you have a favorite kind of Easter candy?

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

My prayers are with your son and you as well! Hope this finds all is well!

Helen Philipps said...

Lovely roses and such a pretty pincushion! I'm glad your son is doing better now....so good he came to you for support in time.
Wishing you well.
Helen x

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Cindy ~
I'm happy to hear your son is doing better and will keep you all in my prayers.
I'm especially happy to hear he turned to his family for support. These's days there's a stigma attached to everything!
I hope your less worried now.
Enjoy your weekend,
Hugs Rosemary...xo

Stacy said...

I'm sorry to hear about your son's health, but I'm glad that he is on the road to healing. Thank you for sharing this story - there is a stigma attached to mental illness, though there should not be.

Beautiful photos of your flowers! <3