Mental Illness - so much in the news, so many negative views, but there is bravery and dignity, too.
Another of my essays on mental illness, from a guy struggling every day with PTSD and with the way society reacts to and thinks about mental illness and those with it.
There was a time I was very ashamed of all of this. Not so much now. I still struggle, and I vacillate between feeling ashamed of my condition and feeling proud of the fact I have been very brave and very open here on DU about it.
This is a cross-post from the Mental Health Support Group. The question was posed, "What is the bravest thing you have done in connection to your mental illness."
Mine was choosing not to blow my brains out with a .22 pistol about 14 months ago, when I thought a mental illness diagnosis meant my life was over. And, for a long time, I thought that sitting with a loaded gun in my hands, contemplating putting it to my temple and pulling the trigger was my weakest, most shameful moment in life.
I now realize sitting with a loaded gun in my hands, contemplating shooting myself in the head, and NOT doing it was the single bravest thing I have ever done. Because, I chose to struggle, to live, despite all of the odd that I thought were so overwhelming. It has made me a survivor. It has made me tough. It has made me strong.
Here is my essay, please read it and comment on either board. Thank you.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1151&pid=4521
Bon Jovi, 'Everybody's Broken' from the album 'Lost Highway'
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It took more than a little courage and a lot of insight to write it.
Thank you.
You're definitely a strong and brave man! 
You are indeed a very brave man. 
