Kilted walk for NAMI

[Phogfan86]

Next Saturday, May 2, I will be participating in the Kansas NAMI Walk to raise money for and awareness of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders about 14 years ago, although I now know I had been dealing with them since high school (over 30 years). Thanks to learning strategies to avoid stress and to keep from turning little problems into big ones in my head -- along with a wee bit of doctor-assisted better living through chemistry -- I go to work, I do my job (very well, if I say so myself), I pay my bills, I raise my kids and I wonder if I should wear something under my kilt at church, just like anyone else.

Before I got treatment, I'd stay in bed for days at a time. I wouldn't eat for days. I'd dread leaving the house, convinced that something awful that couldn't possibly happen was going to happen.

NAMI advocates, educates and provides resources and hope to thousands of individuals and families across the country. They help people manage their mental illness so they can do what I do: live a happy, productive life.

The walk is two miles, and of course, I'll be wearin' the kilt! That's a no-brainer. I'll be sure and get some pics of me and my walk team. The 15 of us have already raised over $1,300 for the cause and we've got a week to go!

NAMI and the terrific people they serve are very important to me. If you think about it, keep me, my walk teammates and the tens of thousands of people with mental illness in our country your thoughts next Saturday. A little extra good karma never, ever hurts!

[Larry124]

...I go to work, I do my job (very well, if I say so myself), I pay my bills, I raise my kids...

That’s something you can be proud of.

I wish you well.

A few years I attended an enlightening presentation to the effect that everyone at one time or another has the “common cold” version of mental illness – mild and temporary – such as on occasions of loss (grief).
Most recover without treatment; but there is no guarantee for any given event or circumstance -- or for the next time.

[GMan]

Good for you.