Today I am going to the opening of the new building of the Wayside Chapel.
The Wayside Chapel provides unconditional love and support for people on and around the streets of Kings Cross in Sydney and has done so since 1964.
Many of these people have endured lives of great hardship and struggle with alcohol and other drug addictions, mental illness and homelessness.
Some of us are fortunate to have supportive families, friends and neighbors, good physical and mental health and inner strength even in the face of adversity.
For those are not so fortunate, there’s The Wayside Chapel.
A bridge over troubled water.
When you’re weary, feeling small, When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all; I’m on your side. when times get rough And friends just can’t be found, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
When you’re down and out, When you’re on the street, When evening falls so hard I will comfort you. Ill take your part. When darkness comes And pains is all around, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
Sail on silver girl, Sail on by. Your time has come to shine. All your dreams are on their way. See how they shine. If you need a friend Im sailing right behind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.
My story (one of them) is that I have bipolar disorder. I started this blog to empower those who also have a mental illness and to enlighten their families and friends. I write so that people will know they are not alone. I write to give them hope.
People who have a mental illness are often the creative, innovative and inventive minds of the world. We are people who look at things differently. We often have great lateral thinking skills. We have enthusiasm and spirit (when we are not depressed) and we have a great ability to relate to other people, especially others who face challenges in their lives.
Everyone with a mental illness has a unique story and there are many different ways to tell it.
If I can make life better for one person, I will be happy.
In writing about my life and my experiences. I want to change attitudes and challenge stereotypes. I want to have a positive impact on people and help them see mental illness from a fresh perspective. I really want to make a difference.
My story is that, in spite of bipolar, or perhaps because of bipolar, my life is rich and full. I am very lucky.
Play the youtube clip while you are reading the post.
Wanted:
A person willing to work all hours of the day, 7 days a week, with no sick days, personal leave or holidays.
There is no salary, bonus plan or superannuation. You must be a self-starter and an entrepreneur. You must also be willing to learn the job by trial and error.
You must be emotionally involved with the person you are going to work for and be willing to work until you are exhausted.
The person you are going to work for may not be able to express any appreciation and may even be abusive to you at times.
Anyone interested in the job, apply immediately.
In 2010 Carers Australia commissioned Access Economics to undertake an Australian study of the economic value of the informal care provided by unpaid family carers for people with disability, mental illness, chronic conditions, terminal illness and the frail aged. That report found that the value of informal care exceeded $40 billion per annum in 2010. This was based on the replacement cost of care of $31 per hour. A huge proportion of this cost was due to demographic ageing, but mental illness significantly contributed to the increasing number of Australians who required and received care.
Informal carers (overall) provide over $1.32 billion hours of care each year, and represent a precious economic resource. (The economic value of informal care in 2010, Access economics report for Carers Australia).
As a community we need to appreciate our carers.
There are a lot of us out there, and a little validation goes a long way.
It depends on the age of the child, but if (it is a teenager and) you are asking the question, the answer is probably yes. Get it checked out. If it is bipolar, and you get it diagnosed and treated, you can avoid some major problems. If you are not happy with the first person you see, go and see someone else. Don’t be fobbed off until you get the answers that feel right to you. Sometimes it takes a trial of the medication to find out for sure.
This was one of the search engine terms that directed someone to my blog today.
The answer is yes, but it is not that simple. Bipolar disorder definitely has a genetic basis and genes are passed down from one generation to the next, and the next. Bipolar disorder runs in families.
People with bipolar are born with a predisposition to it, but the disorder may not manifest itself for some time. Although bipolar disorder may be triggered by environmental factors, environmental factors don’t cause it.
If you suspect someone you care about has a mental illness, there will be many stages you will go through. Initially there will be a growing suspicion that things are not quite right. You will notice ‘odd’ behavior. It often (but not always) begins in a benign way and then escalates incrementally. However, sometimes, bizarre behaviour escalates quickly, and occasionally, a sudden onset of an episode of mental illness seems to come out of no-where. At first you will probably not be able to quite put your finger on what is wrong. You will be aware that, yes, there are problems, but they may be intermittent, or the person may conceal the worst of it from you. They may not like what is happening either and feel ashamed and embarrassed at their own behaviour. Then, after (what can be many years of) seeking support from various quarters, and seeing many different medical professionals, a diagnosis will be made. Paradoxically, this can be a relief, as you, and the person you care for, finally know what is going on, and you can both start to deal with it, by accessing treatment and support. There will be a period of adjustment as you come to terms with the diagnosis, the illness, and the treatment, and work out what it means for the future. Finally there will be continuing management as you get on with your life, the best way you can.
Stage authors go through:
If you suspect you want to have your writing published, there will be many stages you will go through. Initially, there will be growing excitement that perhaps the manuscript you have been working on for years could be something that other people might want to read. You will notice that the only thing you want to do is write. It often begins in a benign way and escalates incrementally. However, sometimes, it escalates quickly. Sometimes the idea seem to come out of nowhere. At first you will not be able to quite put your finger on how to go about it. You will be aware that, yes, it is not easy to get something published and you won’t have the faintest notion of where to start. You will feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and ashamed of your work. Then, after many years of entering writing competitions and approaching publishers you will have a result, and a publisher will indicate that they are interested. Paradoxically, this may not be a relief, as there will be a long period of negotiation, with the publisher suggesting alterations, and you re-writing and making substantial changes. Then, after what can be many years, a contract may be offered. I don’t know what happens after that, but I am sure there would be a long period of adjustment as you come to terms with the publishing process and work out what it means for your future. Finally, whether your manuscript is published or not, you will get on with life the best way you can.
Sometimes it helps to yell. Or throw crockery. I read a tip once that said if you are feeling really frustrated, you can go to Vinnies and buy a whole lot of cheap plates and cups etc, bring them home and go into the back yard and throw them as hard as you can at a wall or at the fence. I haven’t done it myself, as I wouldn’t want to clean it up, but it’s an idea.
