Thank You Letter

Since starting this blog less than two weeks ago, I have gotten tons of feedback. People are commenting on the Facebook page, emailing me, calling me, inviting me over. And everything I've heard is positive. I'm told I'm so brave for sharing my story with the world and that everyone is so proud of me. Strangers from across the country are thanking me for putting into words what they have always felt. People I haven't talked to in years, people who I pushed away for trying to help me before I was diagnosed, are giving me confidence to continue this effort.

I am in awe of how accepting people have been of my going public with something so controversial. Instead of being thanked, I feel like I should be the one doing the thanking. It is too easy for me to feel sorry for myself or think that it's not fair that I have to suffer with mental illnesses while everyone else gets to be healthy. Several people (friends, family, and strangers) have admitted that they suffer from some sort of illness as well. They have hid it, just like I did for so long. Thank you for making me feel less alone.

Even though I always knew it, I am realizing what a fantastic support system I really have. I have amazing friends who are willing to talk me down when I'm freaking out about whatever it is that may be driving me crazy in the moment. I have a great family(-in-lawish) who constantly reminds me that I am loved. And I have Boyfriend who, on top of everything else, never makes me feel like I have to hide who I am. 

I know that someday, probably someday soon, someone will read this who is not so accepting or supportive. And that's ok. Knowing that I have everyone else who is makes me confident that I will be able to handle it. Or at least that I will have many shoulders to cry to. 

With Love,

Mary