a brief word or two on this, before we get very much further. In writing about me, I also write about my family too, so it’s important to know that we have talked about this blog. We’ve agreed what is OK to share – and what is off limits. In fairness, if you’re here already you’ll know I have a general tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve, but I am very conscious that it is not always just my story.
I’m going to refer to some members of my family by nickname or pseudonym of sorts. And if you know us, you know us, and you’ll know some of our story, to one degree or another. And some family members choose not to be mentioned at all.
In telling the story of our family’s journey into mental ill health, there is a significant character, my eldest son, and he is going by the name of AJ. He is now 18, a young adult, and he is completely in agreement with my writing this blog. You will come to learn that this is an incredibly brave step indeed, and I am proud of him for being so willing to share what has happened. He has agreed because he thinks its important to talk about this stuff ( he gets that from his mama!) – to not talk about it drives it underground and somehow makes it even more of a taboo subject. He’s also wants to affect change – if it is possible to do so. And he also understands the need for other families to know that they aren’t alone, and that it is more common than you might imagine. It’s easy to imagine that you are the only ones struggling, and you really aren’t.
You aren’t going to get the whole nine yards, there are some things that as a family we have agreed are not up for public consumption, and that is important. Although if you meet little M ( the youngest) you are likely to get as much as he knows, and more even. Likely, both brothers’ inside leg measurement, what he had for breakfast, how often my hair needs colouring, and how many pairs of shoes I have (it’s a lot).
So, let’s crack on.
Looking forward to your ramblings Lisa x
Thankyou Pam, hope it doesn’t disappoint!
Dear Lisa
We have never met, but I follow you on Instagram. We have already chatted about mental health issues, so I couldn’t be prouder of you and your new venture.
Sending love
Lyn
Ah Lyn, but it does feel as if we have met! Thankyou for your support – now and before!
Congratulations on making your website and blog. It’s a great sense of achievement to unravel the jargon and do it all yourself isn’t it?
Your writings are from the heart and it’s both fun to see your frivolous musings – hilarious posts on IG – and refreshing too to share your feelings and experience about mental health Well done fighting and being an advocate for those who can’t find their voice. xx
Thankyou Penny, and yes, it certainly is! Too kind of you, and thankyou for your support !
Well done Lisa, far from being not up to scratch, this blog looks great and importantly for me ( I remember brick phones too!) it’s user friendly. Also thank you to your family for being willing to share, that’s quite a thing to do. As I have said in the past few weeks, I’m slowly sharing my caring role with my Ma, I want people to know what the process is ( in my professional life it’s how I make my living) and hopefully lift the blanket of fear that others have about caring . My point is I’ve been hugely encouraged by you and yours and will enjoy reading your blog x
Hi Sara, and thankyou for your support. And I am absolutely sure that what you are starting to do is important and good for you, but also for others who are walking in your shoes. You do have to remember to take care of yourself.
Wonderful blog Lisa, have loved you on insta for a good few years and think you are incredible and incredibly brave, I have had mental health issues myself and know how difficult it can be to talk about it xxxx
Thankyou Rebecca. I’m not sure it’s brave, possibly a pathological need now I’m feeling a bit better in myself to try and channel my rage against the system into something more useful and constructive. Let’s see!
So glad you are here! I will gladly cheer you on because you are who we need. Real. Wonderful. Brave. Lovely. Hugs from across the pond. Carry on . . .
You are terribly kind, thankyou. Hope I can live up to that list of adjectives!
Oh my lovely girl. Thank you for inviting us in. I can’t tell you what it means to have this space; my heart is lighter already. I learned from a very young age not to share ANY vulnerably or it would be used against me, whether instantly or slowly….but used it would be. So what we go through has never been “as a family” and it’s so lonely. The pain of not being able to fix the most beautiful thing in your life, and the feeling that you made it to be broken can be overwhelming. You’re amazing and I’m listening. X
Ness you made me cry. Tough gig huh. And I hear you, realising you can’t fix something or someone, and feeling like you might have caused it or been a part of it, has to be one of the most painful things. You aren’t alone my friend, we are here.
So glad to find your blog through Instagram. I will be reading. I feel so strongly about getting help for children with mental health issues. I grew up with a bipolar mother when it had no name. It’s affected my life. I am interested to know how you help others. Can’t wait to learn from you and help others. Thank you.
Thankyou Kathy. I think we will be learning from each other! I can’t pretend to be an authority on the subject, all I have is my experience, but I hope that by talking about it, it might help others. Welcome!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from your blog. I’m a long time follower/lurker (I rarely comment on anyone’s posts as I don’t really feel “worthy” of joining the conversations of the popular girls- clearly my own insecurities coming out.) Two posts read and I am in, whole-heartedly. It feels like something truly needed, and I thank you for opening up this space and sharing your story.
Thankyou Patti for taking the time to read my posts and to comment, I’m so glad you did. I follow and lurk too! I hope you stick with me and that this really is useful for some people. It’s a little nerve wracking!