Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Deepa Mohan]

>
>
>
> Yes, this was essentially a reaching out. Feel like writing about some
> things related to all this on my blog but refrain from doing so because my
> brother and other family members will likely not like it.
>
> Some of the reasons people do not like to share the news of illness,
physical or mental:

1. One is bombarded by questions about how, when, where, and often why...at
times, one is just not up to answering and indeed, it can feel like a
tape-recording

2.Such situations are often quite fluid and can change overnight, it's
difficult to update even well-wishers about what's happening right now,

3.  One is bombarded by well-meaning advice, most of which one cannot take.

4. One has to listen to a lot of insensitive and thoughtless comments..as
Vani says, one cannot always digest it all.
'
5.  One has to listen to irrelevant accounts of others' sufferings,
sometimes.

6. I often find that even close friends hear something quite different from
what I think I am telling them.

With a close friend, I can say, "Reach out to me if you need me." With an
acquaintance, I might not be able to help at all, except perhaps in
listening (and that, too, I might not be reaching out at the other person's
time of need.)

Vani, I still use that old moribund blog called LiveJournal. It has a "my
eyes only" setting. I  get rid of the perilous stuff that weighs on my
soul, this way, once in a while. I don't know if other blogs (I do use WP
but have never tested it...and I know that blogs on github are only-public)
have the same feature.

Deepa.

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Vani Murarka]

Thank you Rashmi and Charanya. Thank you Madhu for sharing that video. I
saw it.

Yes, I have read Jerry Pinto's Em and The Big Hoom, and know of A Book of
Light. I was reluctant to read the latter because while already being in
the company of darkness, did not feel like reading more of those kind of
stories! James Thurber, Ogden Nash, Gerald Durrell, or just seeing some
antics of Dogmatix would be more like it! :-)

Yes, this was essentially a reaching out. Feel like writing about some
things related to all this on my blog but refrain from doing so because my
brother and other family members will likely not like it. Personally, I
keep the following stance about sharing uncomfortable stuff, in Sahir
Ludhianvi's words
हमारा राज़ हमारा नहीं सभी का है
चलो कि सारे ज़माने को राज़दाँ कर लें
(our secret is not ours alone but everyone's, let's make everyone privy to
it -- for it is the same stories everywhere and sharing helps) as do all
the wonderful people who come out and talk about mental illness.

Thanks once again, for all the responses.



--

Vani Murarka

* vani expressions - blog writings 
* काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) 
* गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी 



On 16 January 2018 at 09:56, Rashmi Dhanwani 
wrote:

> Hi Vani,
>
> Thanks for sharing that intensely personal narrative and the choices you
> have made in your journey. I think it's incredible to see you arrive at
> such level-headed mechanisms to deal with what is obviously a complex
> situation. So first up, pat back! That I would say is the first and the
> most important step - to acknowledge your role as a difficult one and your
> own courage in working through the situation with such wisdom. When it gets
> too much to deal with, it's perhaps best to go back to this step and take a
> deep breath.
>
> I have been a caregiver for several years, and a combination of everything
> above that others on this thread have mentioned has helped -- therapy,
> self-care, reading, empathising and constant self-reflection. But perhaps
> what has been the most helpful is developing and choosing to rely on an
> incredible support system of friends and family with whom you can just
> talk. Someone to make chai, to lend an ear, suggest a good mediclaim policy
> or take you out to dinner -- all those little things you expect from
> friends become a lifeline when you are a caregiver. Anything that helps you
> lessen the load, any helping hand you find of use... I would say seek it
> and demand it if need be (as long as it is not unreasonable of course).
>
> Also, it helps to learn to recognise when it gets too much to process on
> your own (like you probably did while writing this mail) and reach out, cuz
> as one of my closest friends once told me, 'if you are the one drowning in
> the well, how can you think to save others?' That aside, Jerry Pinto has
> written a couple of fabulous books on the issue. *Em and the Big Hoom*
>  big-hoom-jerry-pinto-family-life-bombay>
> is a work inspired by Jerry's own life, while *A Book of Light*
>  books/features/Jerry-Pinto-puts-together-A-book-of-Light/
> articleshow/53537831.cms>
> is a collection of narratives by caregivers in India, both beautifully and
> sensitively written and edited.
>
> Happy to take this offline and talk further.
>
> R
>
> Regards,
>
> Rashmi Dhanwani
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 10:58 AM, Vani Murarka 
> wrote:
>
> > I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the ailment
> > proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about observing
> the
> > energy space in me and others.
> >
> > My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases. His
> > condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite terrifying
> at
> > times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space, in
> him,
> > in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each individual
> and
> > as a organism as a whole.
> >
> > I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as best
> > as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to see
> > is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the first
> > thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
> >
> > Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an
> indication
> > that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to further
> > see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person better,
> > until I can see that same behavior of the person from another perspective
> > which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is
> coming
> > from.
> >
> > In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option available to
> > 

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Rashmi Dhanwani]

Hi Vani,

Thanks for sharing that intensely personal narrative and the choices you
have made in your journey. I think it's incredible to see you arrive at
such level-headed mechanisms to deal with what is obviously a complex
situation. So first up, pat back! That I would say is the first and the
most important step - to acknowledge your role as a difficult one and your
own courage in working through the situation with such wisdom. When it gets
too much to deal with, it's perhaps best to go back to this step and take a
deep breath.

I have been a caregiver for several years, and a combination of everything
above that others on this thread have mentioned has helped -- therapy,
self-care, reading, empathising and constant self-reflection. But perhaps
what has been the most helpful is developing and choosing to rely on an
incredible support system of friends and family with whom you can just
talk. Someone to make chai, to lend an ear, suggest a good mediclaim policy
or take you out to dinner -- all those little things you expect from
friends become a lifeline when you are a caregiver. Anything that helps you
lessen the load, any helping hand you find of use... I would say seek it
and demand it if need be (as long as it is not unreasonable of course).

Also, it helps to learn to recognise when it gets too much to process on
your own (like you probably did while writing this mail) and reach out, cuz
as one of my closest friends once told me, 'if you are the one drowning in
the well, how can you think to save others?' That aside, Jerry Pinto has
written a couple of fabulous books on the issue. *Em and the Big Hoom*

is a work inspired by Jerry's own life, while *A Book of Light*

is a collection of narratives by caregivers in India, both beautifully and
sensitively written and edited.

Happy to take this offline and talk further.

R

Regards,

Rashmi Dhanwani




On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 10:58 AM, Vani Murarka 
wrote:

> I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the ailment
> proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about observing the
> energy space in me and others.
>
> My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases. His
> condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite terrifying at
> times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space, in him,
> in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each individual and
> as a organism as a whole.
>
> I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as best
> as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to see
> is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the first
> thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
>
> Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an indication
> that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to further
> see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person better,
> until I can see that same behavior of the person from another perspective
> which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is coming
> from.
>
> In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option available to
> me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some subtle
> manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However, yes, it
> does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also what
> quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my own
> quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.
>
> Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental illness, or
> who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some mental
> illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you have
> learnt so far from being in that experience?
>
>
>
> --
>
> Vani Murarka
>
> * vani expressions - blog writings  expressions/>
> * काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) 
> * गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी 
>

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Charanya Chidambaram]

I agree with Venkatesh wholeheartedly. I have had intimate experiences with
close friends as well as family with severe personality disorders as well
as chronic depression. The first thing that helped was to stay rooted in
empathy - to always try to consider every situation from their perspective
before talking about the situation itself, its causes and possible
solutions.

Therapy was very helpful as it gave a lot of clarity.

What has helped the most is a daily mindfulness practice. I'm working with
a family member to help them journal their daily life and am starting to
read more about Hakomi Method of psychotheraphy that looks very holistic (
http://hakomiinstitute.com/about/the-hakomi-method).

There are currently no practitioners of Hakomi in India, so I'm trying to
immerse myself completely and also trying to get someone to host trainings
and workshops this year.

On 15-Jan-2018 8:06 PM, "Vani Murarka"  wrote:

I totally agree with you. Seeking out a  professional listening ear that
can glean out the light in us even in the midst of blackness is a very wise
gift to give ourself, and yes, depending on our surroundings, might be
absolutely vital. I too have benefitted tremendously from professional help
and still turn to it when I feel the need.


On Jan 15, 2018 7:50 PM, "Venkatesh H R"  wrote:

Two my closest cousins have lived with being mentally ill for years now,
partly because their parents were unwilling to accept it and continued to
insist that all was well. As a result they were denied professional care
until well into their twenties.

A consequence of this is that I tried therapy myself. I found it helpful,
both from a personal (I had some thought processes to sort out which I was
able to do) and academic perspective.

Now I believe that therapy is for everyone, just like physical workouts are
for everyone.

Also, a friend of mine - Amrita Tripathi - has started a mental health
collective. Those curious can find it here:
http://healthcollective.in/about


On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:56 PM, Vani Murarka 
wrote:

> Thanks Lakshmi
>
> On 15-Jan-2018 6:52 pm, "Lakshmi Pratury"  wrote:
>
> > Also want to let you know about yourdost.com that offers free online
> text
> > support and gives you options to find the right psychologist - this is
> more
> > for the social aspects and adjustments and not necessarily a medical
> > treatment.  Hope this helps.
> >
> > Warm regards
> > Lakshmi
> >
> > On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:45 PM, Rajesh Mehar 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Vani,
> > >
> > > I haven't had to deal with mental illness in myself or in my immediate
> > > family.
> > >
> > > But I have seen several people discussing mental health and getting
> > support
> > > from each other online.
> > >
> > > E.g. On Twitter, there is a handle @therestlessquil operated by a
woman
> > who
> > > regularly discusses mental illness. In fact, just this morning she was
> > > asking people dealing with Bipolar to respond to get thread because
she
> > is
> > > thinking of organizing group therapy.
> > >
> > > Also, a close friend whose mother deals with some pretty intense
mental
> > > health issues had found The White Swan to be a great resource.
> Especially
> > > from the perspective of the caregiver, which often goes
unacknowledged:
> > > http://www.whiteswanfoundation.org
> > >
> > > Hope this information helps you.
> > >
> > > On Mon, Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 Vani Murarka 
> wrote:
> > >
> > > > I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the
> ailment
> > > > proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about
> observing
> > > the
> > > > energy space in me and others.
> > > >
> > > > My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases.
> His
> > > > condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite
> terrifying
> > > at
> > > > times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space,
> in
> > > him,
> > > > in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each
> individual
> > > and
> > > > as a organism as a whole.
> > > >
> > > > I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as
> > best
> > > > as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and
to
> > see
> > > > is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the
> > first
> > > > thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
> > > >
> > > > Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an
> > > indication
> > > > that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to
> > further
> > > > see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person
> better,
> > > > until I can see that same behavior of the person from another
> > perspective
> > > > which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is
> > > coming
> > > > from.
> > > >
> > > > In the present 

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Vani Murarka]

Yes. Thank you for sharing.

On Jan 15, 2018 8:23 PM, "Madhu Menon"  wrote:

A combination of medication, talk therapy from time to time, and the
acceptance of the fact that this is a managed condition, not something
that has a vaccine, so there *will* be some periods where it will hit
you hard and affect your life. The best I can do is avoid too many
stress triggers.

Madhu

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Madhu Menon]

I did a short podcast with White Swan a while ago if you're interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3AQ_cGzsyc

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Madhu Menon]

>
> Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental illness, or
> who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some mental
> illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you have
> learnt so far from being in that experience?

A combination of medication, talk therapy from time to time, and the
acceptance of the fact that this is a managed condition, not something
that has a vaccine, so there *will* be some periods where it will hit
you hard and affect your life. The best I can do is avoid too many
stress triggers.

Madhu

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Vani Murarka]

I totally agree with you. Seeking out a  professional listening ear that
can glean out the light in us even in the midst of blackness is a very wise
gift to give ourself, and yes, depending on our surroundings, might be
absolutely vital. I too have benefitted tremendously from professional help
and still turn to it when I feel the need.


On Jan 15, 2018 7:50 PM, "Venkatesh H R"  wrote:

Two my closest cousins have lived with being mentally ill for years now,
partly because their parents were unwilling to accept it and continued to
insist that all was well. As a result they were denied professional care
until well into their twenties.

A consequence of this is that I tried therapy myself. I found it helpful,
both from a personal (I had some thought processes to sort out which I was
able to do) and academic perspective.

Now I believe that therapy is for everyone, just like physical workouts are
for everyone.

Also, a friend of mine - Amrita Tripathi - has started a mental health
collective. Those curious can find it here:
http://healthcollective.in/about


On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:56 PM, Vani Murarka 
wrote:

> Thanks Lakshmi
>
> On 15-Jan-2018 6:52 pm, "Lakshmi Pratury"  wrote:
>
> > Also want to let you know about yourdost.com that offers free online
> text
> > support and gives you options to find the right psychologist - this is
> more
> > for the social aspects and adjustments and not necessarily a medical
> > treatment.  Hope this helps.
> >
> > Warm regards
> > Lakshmi
> >
> > On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:45 PM, Rajesh Mehar 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Vani,
> > >
> > > I haven't had to deal with mental illness in myself or in my immediate
> > > family.
> > >
> > > But I have seen several people discussing mental health and getting
> > support
> > > from each other online.
> > >
> > > E.g. On Twitter, there is a handle @therestlessquil operated by a
woman
> > who
> > > regularly discusses mental illness. In fact, just this morning she was
> > > asking people dealing with Bipolar to respond to get thread because
she
> > is
> > > thinking of organizing group therapy.
> > >
> > > Also, a close friend whose mother deals with some pretty intense
mental
> > > health issues had found The White Swan to be a great resource.
> Especially
> > > from the perspective of the caregiver, which often goes
unacknowledged:
> > > http://www.whiteswanfoundation.org
> > >
> > > Hope this information helps you.
> > >
> > > On Mon, Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 Vani Murarka 
> wrote:
> > >
> > > > I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the
> ailment
> > > > proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about
> observing
> > > the
> > > > energy space in me and others.
> > > >
> > > > My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases.
> His
> > > > condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite
> terrifying
> > > at
> > > > times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space,
> in
> > > him,
> > > > in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each
> individual
> > > and
> > > > as a organism as a whole.
> > > >
> > > > I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as
> > best
> > > > as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and
to
> > see
> > > > is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the
> > first
> > > > thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
> > > >
> > > > Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an
> > > indication
> > > > that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to
> > further
> > > > see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person
> better,
> > > > until I can see that same behavior of the person from another
> > perspective
> > > > which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is
> > > coming
> > > > from.
> > > >
> > > > In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option
> available
> > to
> > > > me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some
> > subtle
> > > > manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However,
yes,
> > it
> > > > does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also
> what
> > > > quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my
own
> > > > quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.
> > > >
> > > > Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental
> illness,
> > or
> > > > who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some
> > mental
> > > > illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you
> have
> > > > learnt so far from being in that experience?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > >
> > > > Vani Murarka
> > > >
> > > > * vani expressions - blog writings <
> > > > http://manaskriti.com/vani-expressions/>
> > > > * काव्यालय 

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Venkatesh H R]

Two my closest cousins have lived with being mentally ill for years now,
partly because their parents were unwilling to accept it and continued to
insist that all was well. As a result they were denied professional care
until well into their twenties.

A consequence of this is that I tried therapy myself. I found it helpful,
both from a personal (I had some thought processes to sort out which I was
able to do) and academic perspective.

Now I believe that therapy is for everyone, just like physical workouts are
for everyone.

Also, a friend of mine - Amrita Tripathi - has started a mental health
collective. Those curious can find it here:
http://healthcollective.in/about


On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:56 PM, Vani Murarka 
wrote:

> Thanks Lakshmi
>
> On 15-Jan-2018 6:52 pm, "Lakshmi Pratury"  wrote:
>
> > Also want to let you know about yourdost.com that offers free online
> text
> > support and gives you options to find the right psychologist - this is
> more
> > for the social aspects and adjustments and not necessarily a medical
> > treatment.  Hope this helps.
> >
> > Warm regards
> > Lakshmi
> >
> > On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:45 PM, Rajesh Mehar 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Vani,
> > >
> > > I haven't had to deal with mental illness in myself or in my immediate
> > > family.
> > >
> > > But I have seen several people discussing mental health and getting
> > support
> > > from each other online.
> > >
> > > E.g. On Twitter, there is a handle @therestlessquil operated by a woman
> > who
> > > regularly discusses mental illness. In fact, just this morning she was
> > > asking people dealing with Bipolar to respond to get thread because she
> > is
> > > thinking of organizing group therapy.
> > >
> > > Also, a close friend whose mother deals with some pretty intense mental
> > > health issues had found The White Swan to be a great resource.
> Especially
> > > from the perspective of the caregiver, which often goes unacknowledged:
> > > http://www.whiteswanfoundation.org
> > >
> > > Hope this information helps you.
> > >
> > > On Mon, Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 Vani Murarka 
> wrote:
> > >
> > > > I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the
> ailment
> > > > proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about
> observing
> > > the
> > > > energy space in me and others.
> > > >
> > > > My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases.
> His
> > > > condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite
> terrifying
> > > at
> > > > times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space,
> in
> > > him,
> > > > in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each
> individual
> > > and
> > > > as a organism as a whole.
> > > >
> > > > I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as
> > best
> > > > as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to
> > see
> > > > is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the
> > first
> > > > thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
> > > >
> > > > Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an
> > > indication
> > > > that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to
> > further
> > > > see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person
> better,
> > > > until I can see that same behavior of the person from another
> > perspective
> > > > which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is
> > > coming
> > > > from.
> > > >
> > > > In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option
> available
> > to
> > > > me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some
> > subtle
> > > > manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However, yes,
> > it
> > > > does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also
> what
> > > > quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my own
> > > > quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.
> > > >
> > > > Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental
> illness,
> > or
> > > > who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some
> > mental
> > > > illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you
> have
> > > > learnt so far from being in that experience?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > >
> > > > Vani Murarka
> > > >
> > > > * vani expressions - blog writings <
> > > > http://manaskriti.com/vani-expressions/>
> > > > * काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) <
> > http://kaavyaalaya.org>
> > > > * गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी  gatiroop>
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > *Lakshmi Pratury*
> > Host and Curator
> > +91 99456 56864
> > *inktalks.com  | twitter
> >  | facebook
> >  | INK blog 

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Vani Murarka]

Thanks Lakshmi

On 15-Jan-2018 6:52 pm, "Lakshmi Pratury"  wrote:

> Also want to let you know about yourdost.com that offers free online text
> support and gives you options to find the right psychologist - this is more
> for the social aspects and adjustments and not necessarily a medical
> treatment.  Hope this helps.
>
> Warm regards
> Lakshmi
>
> On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:45 PM, Rajesh Mehar 
> wrote:
>
> > Hi Vani,
> >
> > I haven't had to deal with mental illness in myself or in my immediate
> > family.
> >
> > But I have seen several people discussing mental health and getting
> support
> > from each other online.
> >
> > E.g. On Twitter, there is a handle @therestlessquil operated by a woman
> who
> > regularly discusses mental illness. In fact, just this morning she was
> > asking people dealing with Bipolar to respond to get thread because she
> is
> > thinking of organizing group therapy.
> >
> > Also, a close friend whose mother deals with some pretty intense mental
> > health issues had found The White Swan to be a great resource. Especially
> > from the perspective of the caregiver, which often goes unacknowledged:
> > http://www.whiteswanfoundation.org
> >
> > Hope this information helps you.
> >
> > On Mon, Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 Vani Murarka  wrote:
> >
> > > I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the ailment
> > > proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about observing
> > the
> > > energy space in me and others.
> > >
> > > My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases. His
> > > condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite terrifying
> > at
> > > times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space, in
> > him,
> > > in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each individual
> > and
> > > as a organism as a whole.
> > >
> > > I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as
> best
> > > as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to
> see
> > > is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the
> first
> > > thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
> > >
> > > Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an
> > indication
> > > that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to
> further
> > > see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person better,
> > > until I can see that same behavior of the person from another
> perspective
> > > which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is
> > coming
> > > from.
> > >
> > > In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option available
> to
> > > me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some
> subtle
> > > manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However, yes,
> it
> > > does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also what
> > > quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my own
> > > quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.
> > >
> > > Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental illness,
> or
> > > who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some
> mental
> > > illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you have
> > > learnt so far from being in that experience?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > >
> > > Vani Murarka
> > >
> > > * vani expressions - blog writings <
> > > http://manaskriti.com/vani-expressions/>
> > > * काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) <
> http://kaavyaalaya.org>
> > > * गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी 
> > >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> *Lakshmi Pratury*
> Host and Curator
> +91 99456 56864
> *inktalks.com  | twitter
>  | facebook
>  | INK blog *
>
>
> *INKtalks for you
>  india-s-first-triathlete>*
>

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Lakshmi Pratury]

Also want to let you know about yourdost.com that offers free online text
support and gives you options to find the right psychologist - this is more
for the social aspects and adjustments and not necessarily a medical
treatment.  Hope this helps.

Warm regards
Lakshmi

On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 6:45 PM, Rajesh Mehar  wrote:

> Hi Vani,
>
> I haven't had to deal with mental illness in myself or in my immediate
> family.
>
> But I have seen several people discussing mental health and getting support
> from each other online.
>
> E.g. On Twitter, there is a handle @therestlessquil operated by a woman who
> regularly discusses mental illness. In fact, just this morning she was
> asking people dealing with Bipolar to respond to get thread because she is
> thinking of organizing group therapy.
>
> Also, a close friend whose mother deals with some pretty intense mental
> health issues had found The White Swan to be a great resource. Especially
> from the perspective of the caregiver, which often goes unacknowledged:
> http://www.whiteswanfoundation.org
>
> Hope this information helps you.
>
> On Mon, Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 Vani Murarka  wrote:
>
> > I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the ailment
> > proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about observing
> the
> > energy space in me and others.
> >
> > My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases. His
> > condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite terrifying
> at
> > times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space, in
> him,
> > in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each individual
> and
> > as a organism as a whole.
> >
> > I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as best
> > as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to see
> > is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the first
> > thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
> >
> > Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an
> indication
> > that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to further
> > see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person better,
> > until I can see that same behavior of the person from another perspective
> > which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is
> coming
> > from.
> >
> > In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option available to
> > me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some subtle
> > manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However, yes, it
> > does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also what
> > quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my own
> > quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.
> >
> > Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental illness, or
> > who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some mental
> > illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you have
> > learnt so far from being in that experience?
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Vani Murarka
> >
> > * vani expressions - blog writings <
> > http://manaskriti.com/vani-expressions/>
> > * काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) 
> > * गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी 
> >
>



-- 
*Lakshmi Pratury*
Host and Curator
+91 99456 56864
*inktalks.com  | twitter
 | facebook
 | INK blog *


*INKtalks for you
*

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Vani Murarka]

Thank you for these pointers Rajesh.

On 15-Jan-2018 6:45 pm, "Rajesh Mehar"  wrote:

> Hi Vani,
>
> I haven't had to deal with mental illness in myself or in my immediate
> family.
>
> But I have seen several people discussing mental health and getting support
> from each other online.
>
> E.g. On Twitter, there is a handle @therestlessquil operated by a woman who
> regularly discusses mental illness. In fact, just this morning she was
> asking people dealing with Bipolar to respond to get thread because she is
> thinking of organizing group therapy.
>
> Also, a close friend whose mother deals with some pretty intense mental
> health issues had found The White Swan to be a great resource. Especially
> from the perspective of the caregiver, which often goes unacknowledged:
> http://www.whiteswanfoundation.org
>
> Hope this information helps you.
>
> On Mon, Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 Vani Murarka  wrote:
>
> > I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the ailment
> > proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about observing
> the
> > energy space in me and others.
> >
> > My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases. His
> > condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite terrifying
> at
> > times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space, in
> him,
> > in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each individual
> and
> > as a organism as a whole.
> >
> > I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as best
> > as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to see
> > is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the first
> > thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
> >
> > Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an
> indication
> > that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to further
> > see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person better,
> > until I can see that same behavior of the person from another perspective
> > which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is
> coming
> > from.
> >
> > In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option available to
> > me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some subtle
> > manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However, yes, it
> > does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also what
> > quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my own
> > quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.
> >
> > Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental illness, or
> > who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some mental
> > illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you have
> > learnt so far from being in that experience?
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Vani Murarka
> >
> > * vani expressions - blog writings <
> > http://manaskriti.com/vani-expressions/>
> > * काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) 
> > * गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी 
> >
>

Re: [silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Rajesh Mehar]

Hi Vani,

I haven't had to deal with mental illness in myself or in my immediate
family.

But I have seen several people discussing mental health and getting support
from each other online.

E.g. On Twitter, there is a handle @therestlessquil operated by a woman who
regularly discusses mental illness. In fact, just this morning she was
asking people dealing with Bipolar to respond to get thread because she is
thinking of organizing group therapy.

Also, a close friend whose mother deals with some pretty intense mental
health issues had found The White Swan to be a great resource. Especially
from the perspective of the caregiver, which often goes unacknowledged:
http://www.whiteswanfoundation.org

Hope this information helps you.

On Mon, Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 Vani Murarka  wrote:

> I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the ailment
> proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about observing the
> energy space in me and others.
>
> My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases. His
> condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite terrifying at
> times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space, in him,
> in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each individual and
> as a organism as a whole.
>
> I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as best
> as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to see
> is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the first
> thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.
>
> Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an indication
> that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to further
> see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person better,
> until I can see that same behavior of the person from another perspective
> which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is coming
> from.
>
> In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option available to
> me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some subtle
> manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However, yes, it
> does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also what
> quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my own
> quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.
>
> Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental illness, or
> who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some mental
> illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you have
> learnt so far from being in that experience?
>
>
>
> --
>
> Vani Murarka
>
> * vani expressions - blog writings <
> http://manaskriti.com/vani-expressions/>
> * काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) 
> * गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी 
>

[silk] Mental Illness, Relationships, and Awareness

[Vani Murarka]

I have multiple sclerosis. It is a result of trying to meet the ailment
proactively and as responsibly as I can, that I learnt about observing the
energy space in me and others.

My brother has bipolar. Currently he is in one of his manic phases. His
condition places acute strain on the family. It is all quite terrifying at
times. In all this, I continue to try and observe the energy space, in him,
in me, and in whatever is happening in the family -- in each individual and
as a organism as a whole.

I feel my only job here is to love. To love each and every person as best
as I can. I feel, that to love a person is to see that person, and to see
is to see beauty. All else is blindness. Of course in all this, the first
thing is to love myself and to see beauty in myself.

Whenever I am unable to see beauty in a person, to me that is an indication
that I am not seeing correctly, and so I try as best as I can to further
see my thoughts and emotions, trying to understand that person better,
until I can see that same behavior of the person from another perspective
which makes me feel I have a better understanding of where he/she is coming
from.

In the present configuration, I feel this is the only option available to
me, the only job I can perform and doing so maybe is also in some subtle
manner playing a positive role in the scheme of things. However, yes, it
does get harrowing. It is not just my brother's behavior, but also what
quirks each and every family member brings to the whole thing, my own
quirks and vulnerabilities etc. etc. etc.

Is there anyone else here whose family member has some mental illness, or
who himself / herself is dealing with the challenge of having some mental
illness? Would you like to share how you deal with it and what you have
learnt so far from being in that experience?



--

Vani Murarka

* vani expressions - blog writings 
* काव्यालय (Kaavyaalaya: House of Hindi Poetry) 
* गीत गतिरूप - कवि का अनोखा साथी