“Be dedicated to changing the way in which people see mental illness at all levels of society. If not for yourself, advocate for those who are struggling in silence.” — Germany Kent
It’s so much easier to write about medical conditions than about mental health. I don’t know why, but it just is. Maybe because it seems like such a taboo thing to talk about. When I told people I was taking Cary Lynn to a doctor or specialist it was just another day at the ranch. It’s accepted and understood.
When I tell people I took Marvin out of school and placed him in day treatment I get “the look”. And questions. “Why does he need that, he’s fine?” “Marvin doesn’t have problems, why are you taking him there?” Or my favorite one tossed out by someone close last weekend, “If you take him to the therapist they are going to find something wrong with him.”
Let me set the record straight. Marvin asked to go. Things weren’t feeling right to him and he was scared. He did the right thing by talking to us about it. He’s in good hands and has a team that cares about him. And dog gone it, I’m proud of Marvin for saying that he needs the help. That was brave.
With everything that has happened over here, healing isn’t going to be an overnight process. It’s going to be a long and painful journey full off potholes and cliffs.
I’m not going to lie, it’s been kind of a stressful roller coaster ride over here. But I feel like we are making some honest-to-goodness progress and Marvin is rocking it like a boss. I feel like I’m in new uncharted territory but we’ve got a good team and to quote Dr. Killgore, “Marvin won’t fall through the cracks. Not with you there to hold on tight.” So I’ll keep holding on tight and we will pull through.
