What would I do with an extra hour in a day??

Blogging about having extra time is a challenge for me. You see I rarely have trouble finding that extra hour. I am disabled with a mental illness. (It is Mental Illness Awareness Week this week!)

That extra hour of time so many people desire makes my days long especially during the long winter nights.

If I can sit still and concentrate I will often read. Or I make cards or scrap book my pictures. Then there is that much needed thing we all know so well...exercise. Why dies that always seem to be on the bottom of my list? I was althletic as a child and teenager, but something happen in my 20's to make
me desire less and less exercise. I got sick. My world was turned upside down. I began the cycle of medication trials, hospitalizations and therapy. That has been my world for the past 30 years.

So when someone asks me what I would do with an extra hour of time I tell them the truth. I would give up that extra hour of time for a day without anxiety or depression or flashbacks.

Do you think you are not affected by mental illness? I bet you have a family member, friend or someone close to you that has a mental illness. You can't see it on our face. We look as everyone would say "normal." But the effects of mental illness are real. Mental illnesses are brain disorders. Just like a physical disorder they require treatment. Some respond to medication and some don't. Psychotherapy and medications together work the best.

When I think of that extra hour now...I remember a big thing I do with extra time. I volunteer with the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Billings affiliate. That is what I do to give back to my community. I help to advocate, support and educate consumers, their families and friends about mental illness.

Who do you know that has a mental illness?? And what can you do to support them in their struggles? It might be as simple as listening or visiti g with them. Whatever it is..I say "thank you." Stigma is not a pretty thing and acceptance in my life time would be great!!

Angie