Today, the 10th of October, is the World Mental Health Day

Today, the 10th of October, is the World Mental Health Day.

And my mind is working overtime.

So you have chronic physical health issues?
Diseases, conditions for which you will need to be on medication all your life?
Poor you!
Lucky you!
For allowances are made for you. Considerations shown.
There is appreciation, empathy.

I have, like many others, a chronic health issue too. 
A mental one.
Even though it is seldom considered to be a 'health' issue, it is.
It is also 
- an issue that is never mentioned but in whispers.
- an issue because of which friendships are broken before they even start.
- an issue where competence is overlooked.
-an issue where respect is hard to gain and easy to lose.
-an issue that most who have it, feel the need to hide for fear of persecution,
and
an issue for which there is no hope for any law that will bring recognition or acceptance.
I suffer from a condition known as bipolar disorder.

Mental illnesses have at their source, physiological imbalance.
Same as in the physical ones.
Know that.
Come and visit us when we are unwell.
Bring us flowers. Sweets.
We may not be able to see you then.
Because we are in an environment that is the equivalent of an ICU and in isolation, even when we may be at home.
Because any kind of stimulation hurts us at that time. 
Throws us headlong into an bottomless pit of depression or sends us for a high ride in a hot air balloon. Or both.
But when we are better, we'll be happy that you came.

Today, the 10th of October, is the World Mental Health Day.

Like