Stacy,

Mental illness is a very lonely and isolating condition to suffer from; I too know your pain. I am very lucky to have my Mom, boyfriend, and a few friends for support but the reality is they will never be able to truly understand the mess which is my mind. This often causes varying tensions and frustrations within these relationships that add to my daily struggles. I have found the most rewarding support comes from others who suffer with mental illness, some medical professionals, and most importantly me.

I bid you these two things that I believe has given me quality of life over the years:
1. Acceptance. Simply put I stopped wishing my mind away. I stopped comparing myself to others, assuming based on appearances their mind was better than mine was. I persevered through the shame of mental illness and even found the humor on the other side. I once told my boyfriend “Crazy can be fun, it at least keeps it interesting!” I’m glad he agreed but only because I had to first.
2. Don’t stop trying to find the right medical treatment until you find adequate relief. Don’t ever give up on finding the right treatment for yourself. Keep making the calls, leave message after message, make appointment after appointment, until you find the doctor that will lead you to medication(s) that best balance your brain chemicals and provide you with necessary therapy that will support you through this life. Knowledge is power; arm yourself with information about your condition. Be assertive, you will thank yourself when you feel better, trust me.

I extend to you my hand and my encouraging smile. I believe mentally ill people are some of the strongest souls that exist, not only do we have to find our way in this world but find it through our own minds. Keep trying like you are, believe in the best for yourself and you will get there!