Me, Hubby & 2 of our boys
I have been writing my life story and what life is like living with a mental illness, Bipolar in my case and I hope that by writing it it will help at least one other person out there. I promised myself a long time ago when I was feeling low, lost and alone that if I could stop one other mother out there from feeling what I did, then the years of my life have been well worth spent.
My life has not always been easy, I have faced some obstacles that not many do, some parts of my life will always remain hidden, fear of my children ever learning the full truth is what keeps me from disclosing the full extent of the years living with their father. But I have spoken out about the taboo of living with a mental illness and if you can not understand it then please at least accept that having a mental illness does not make you any less of a person.
Having lived with depression since the age of 13, now aged 32 I no nothing different. Some days are harder than others but each day I fight back at my demons and continue to battle on in the hope of helping others.
I recieved this rather touching message from a mother and thought this a nice place to share it.
Emma, I have seen you say you write your story, to help people, or even just one person. I wanted you to know you have helped me. I’ve read ALL of them and at times its like you have been in my head. My past is, well you know some of the stuff iv been through, and theres still a lot you don’t know. nobody knows but I can identify with your past thoughts and feelings so much.
You inspire me, and give me hope that we can all overcome, that I can overcome and maybe one day conquer my demons. People like you Emma, you walk the hardest path, you fight with your heart for everything you have and you never take what you have for granted. Your a fighter and still one of the bravest people im proud to know. Dont give up educating people about mental health, the thoughts , the feelings and dont think for one second your not achieving anything. Your amazing ♥
To follow my story you can find the latest chapters of Living With Bipolar
About The Real Supermum
The letter write speaks only the truth Emma its time u realise u are an inspiration to sooooo many people xxx
Bless you Shell, what a lovely letter. X
Emma you are an insperation to others annd do.an amazing job
we all love you xx
You are an amazing woman! There are many interesting topics on Your blog. I’m regular reading.
Two words…… Nail and head xxxxx
I spent three years on a pyschiatric ward and pysch HDU and it meant I was around all kinds of mental illness. There were dangerous scizophrenics who were pyromaniacs too, people with self harm compulsions, paranoia, personality disorders, everything. Quite often me in my suicidal state was deemed the most ‘ sane ‘ there, despite needing three members of staff with me at all times.
Being in that place taught me a lot but it showed me a lot too. Exactly how people who cant help who they are and what they do are treated by the public, by their carers, by their families because people dont understand mental illness. They dont understand the complexities, the anguish it causes and generates.
I cant stand labels. I was labelled dangerous because i wanted to die. I never hurt anyone i just didnt want to live.
I was labelled a attention seeker because i cut up. Sometimes my bloodletting was bad. Sometimes not but when your stuck in a room with nowhere to go, no choices and all basic rights taken from you thats the only control you have you take it.
I was labelled with post traumatic stress because i was raped so badly i tried to kill him after. When it failed i as they say lost the plot. My mind snapped and was incapable of anything but suicidal actions.
Ive lived with labels since i was 18.
The best way to extinguish all the prejudice about mental health is to educate people and Emma is brave enough to bear her soul so others know they arent alone. Mental illness isnt meant to be pretty or easy, its hard and hurtfull and something that affects everything you do. Ive been clear of hospitals for twelve years now but still the labels affect my life.
Everyone should take note of emmas story.
Awwww
How sweet of Shell.
Defiantly agree with every word! x
Mental illness will affect one in four people in there life time!! There should be no taboo no labels we are who and what we are! Love you Emma x
Awww that’s lovely shell!
That’s lovely x
thats a lovely letter, it only speaks the truth xx