Thursday, April 12, 2012

Eleanor's Song

It's difficult to understand mental illness and chemical imbalance.  Russell Crowe's  profoundly powerful movie, A Beautiful Mind allowed me a glimpse into what it might be like.  If you're part of a large family--and both my husband and I come from such--it's likely that at least some members contend with diagnosed or undiagnosed disorders or imbalances.

One sister-in-law's struggles have a name:  bi-polar disorder.  Having a name helps, I think, in that it reframes what was an increasingly concerning collection of behavior.  In no way does this make her own walk easier, but a diagnosis helps those of us who care about her.

Recently, this sister-in-law began to write.  She's always been creative and artistic; her writing continues that.  She speaks openly of her challenges and started a blog to help others understand what it is like to live with bipolar disorder.  I encourage you to check out Eleanor's Song and leave a comment.

Putting a name on something defines.  However, a label is never a totality.  My sister-in-law can't help that she is bi-polar, but her writing about it earns her other labels.  Honest.  Open.  Brave.

Blessings,
Holly


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