Becoming more open about who we are - Part ONE

There must be more stigma about mendal disorders than almost anything else. (Note: Under the umbrella of "mental disorders" I'm including bulemia, anorexia, self-mutilation, schizophrenia, mania, depression, bipolar disorder, and more.) The reason I say this, is that millions (yes millions) of people are affected by these mostly genetic and chemical disorders, and yet only a tiny fraction feel they can be open with other people about their disorder.

"Coming out of the closet" is a term used by homosexual individuals to describe the process of self-revelation. Similarly to a mental disorder, people with same-sex preferences have had to "hide" a part of who they are, a part of their essential being and personhood. One way to become aware of what gays as well as mentally ill people go through is to imagine a world where heterosexuality was condemmed. In that scene, people who liked the opposite sex would be a minority. So they would likely be misunderstood, mistreated, and maligned. They could not be open about their "dirty little secret" because it would have severe social and employment consequences. To even consider becoming more "open" about who we actually are is a supreme act of courage. And yet, as one of my favorite therapists Mark Robinson once said: "There are very few true needs, but one of them is to be fully known".

Click on the title for a link to a great article discussing the "Risk in Emotional Disclosure"

One secret to life. . .part 1

Here's a little puzzle for you. It is one of the things I have found out about life. This is true especially as someone with a mental disorder. See if you can figure it out. If so, tell me what you think it means, and whether or not it has been true for you!

Procovery at the poverty level

"The experience of poverty magnifies the experience of self-stigma. People lose there sense of self-worth, their confidence, and their ability to hope or dream of a better future. Consumers describe this process as 'spirit breaking.' "
from The Power of Procovery - page 121
Copyright Kathleen Crowley, 2000, used with permission.

Many consumers have to live on a tight budget. This can be seriously restrictive: even 'spirit breaking'! It is sad that one's resources are limited to the point of - creatitivity shattered.

My coping method for limited income is gratefulnes for phone contact and people contact between us poverty level consumers. Even a poor man can use the phone or visit a friend. Let us find institutions in our selves and our relationships when we cannot depend on incomes and resources. Jesus says life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions. He knew the richness of 'humanity' alone. We risk our vulnerability when making friends but there is the chance of friendship for a life-time.

Dave :)

Alia - Hope, Confidence, and Love

Most of us barely remember the time when we had no fear, complete trust, and had no reason to believe that the world was anything but wonderful and safe. It was tremendous Love and dedicated care that gave us those feelings. Trust now that the future holds good things for you, that you CAN be content, free from worry, full of hope. Look at Alia's face, and reach deep inside for the Love that's there.
Alia Originally uploaded by photomiller.

Water lilies

Sometimes things in life actually come together: they meet in the same place, same time. Like this photo of mine. . .

Right place: Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Right time: waterlilies in fresh, full bloom.

Right moment: light wafting through their translucent petals.

But it won't happen if you stay at home. "90% of life is just showing up" - Woody Allen. Get out, meet a friend and go someplace inspiring!

2601-1k Water lilies - unretouched Originally uploaded by creativity+.