Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness   (c)2017 Nancy Virden  

Apparently, one needs a hefty blood supply to function well and survive. Go figure.

This afternoon I arrived home after a three-day stint in the hospital. An observant doctor took one look at me at a walk-in clinic on Wednesday and blurted, “Oh my G..!” From that point, my plans for the week changed.

Saturday was my birthday (Ah, thank you, thank you) . It was supposed to be celebrated at my house with a little party of friends, laughter, and games. Instead, it was four people (one fashionably attired in her hospital gown best), some KFC, a few rounds of Boggle, and two balloons.

Two of my guests were the most important and influential people in my world- my sons, Jon and Tim. Tim, (whom I live with) saw me through weeks of deteriorating health, giving me rides and offering other help generously. Both were sympathetic, and I was not in any medical facility by myself.  From the clinic to ER to the hospital, I was surrounded by their love and affection.

The third guest was a lovely friend from church who entertained us with her game hosting skills extraordinaire. Besides them, were 10 or more Happy Birthday and Get Well texts, and a few happy nurses willing to wish me the best (and care for my every need). Now, that’s a birthday!

Since September, I have struggled with the loss of two people. In December, heavy sadness mixed with fear and self-doubt brought me to the decision to end the CompassionateLove Radio Show. By March, my therapist and I were talking about a possible need for a higher level of mental health care.

I was okay, not in danger, and yet was not overcoming complicated grief and confusion. Eventually, I took a turn for the better, and so expected to finish April with a positive bang. However, all the stress took its toll on my stomach. By last Thursday, I had lost over half my blood supply to a GI bleed and needed multiple transfusions.

Mental health is by all means connected to physical health in various facets. So is spiritual health. Keeping the triune well is a worthwhile goal and promises many happy birthdays to come.

Please take it from foolish ol’ me, nothing is so bad we cannot exercise a little self-care. When it is the most difficult to care is the time to dig in, eat healthily, talk out your problems, pursue positive solutions to your pain, and keep walking. I know I am preaching what I did not practice. I also know that self-care is sometimes the most challenging part of life.

Well, I’m home from the hospital with yet another chance to get it right.  Happy birthday to all of you over the next twelve months. God bless, and take care!

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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.

*pic by PAPARABBIT on rgbstock.com