For an interesting meta sight for anyone whose life is touched by mental illness....click here. I was perusing this sight and saw one of my articles picked up and posted. So of course I wandered around and yes they offer some interesting points of view. As I was meandering through the internet files of bloggers and mental illness I was astounded at the volume of people blogging about their own struggle with mental illness. In comparison I found very very few bloggers who are "caregivers" or family members of mentally ill people.
What I find so intriguing is the fact that blogging seems to be a wonderful outlet and creative form of expression for the mentally ill person. And in fact many of the blogs offered a beautiful artistic presentation unlike blogging in general. Why are so many people who struggle with mental illness blogging ? Well, not unlike other people, they have an instant community of people facing similar challenges. Sharing their thoughts and having others affirm their feelings with their own stories can be a way to stay connected.
Why, I wonder did I not find many of the "caregivers" or family members blogging? I suspect their plight, although clearly of a different sort, is equally compelling. Blogging can be a wonderfully slightly anonymous way to vent, have fun, be creative, and let loose in your own home. This can be a quick antidote to the chronic, often long term situation with mental illness in the family. In addition, the health benefits of journaling (or blogging) seem clear. Click here to read about the health benefits of journaling.
So for those of us dealing with a family member's mental illness, this is good news that blogging is so popular. --- maybe your loved one could benefit from blogging. All it takes is 4.95/month and away you go into the blogosphere. And what are the benefits? Well, read some of the blogs and feel the energy, release, pain and pleasure that is put out there. It's really not for us to judge what the benefits might be. Our job is to keep an open mind and assist the ill person toward wellness. And don't forget your own blogging potential...... it can be good for the soul!.
Comments