Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness    (c)2014 Nancy Virden

It’s snowing in her mind. A blizzard of emotions has swirled in her brain for seven long days and 168 hopeless hours. The storm is not over.

Just as weather can force us to change plans with little notice, so this woman went from strong and confident to anxiety-ridden and depressed in a few minutes. As with any storm, there were warning signs. She ignored them because she felt in control. Symptoms seemed manageable and predictable. It was going to be no big deal.

For days her sleep, meal-times, and medication intake were blown off schedule. Naturally, this worked against her. She felt powerless as self-care took a dive.  Her thoughts were reckless and defeatist. 

Today the flurry has slowed and rationale is returning. She feels as if she’s been through a boxing match, and lost.

Her brain is exhausted and her body aches. She is sick to her stomach and her head hurts. It is tempting to think she has never been so tired. Unfortunately, this is likely not the last time, either.

This woman’s mood disorder is tough to predict or understand. Physically, her symptoms may last awhile. After all, she has trudged through a snow storm for a week. She is a survivor on the mend.

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Hope and help can be yours.