Tuesday, April 2, 2019
The snowball effect: Awww, you have the flu?
The snowball effect: Awww, you have the flu?: I woke up with an unexpected visitor this morning. You guessed it, the flu. Home alone, unable to move, shivering under three blankets,...
Awww, you have the flu?
I woke up with an unexpected visitor this morning. You guessed it, the flu.
Home alone, unable to move, shivering under three blankets, on a heating pad, and waiting for my husband to come home with some Theraflu in 5 hours, I was miserable. Don't get me wrong, I still feel like crap, but I can at least write as I lay in my bed.
The reason for this quick post is to say that I had a momentary thought of feeling guilty for having my husband take care of me, the kids play without me, and dinner served without my help.
However, that guilt left immediately because I could justify all of that because I am physically sick. The kids and husband understand and accommodate without question. Of course, they don't want whatever it is that I have, but it's "culturally normal" to let sick people rest and give them time to get better.
This got me thinking, why is it not okay that we allow mental health days? Sometimes my struggles with bipolar or other emotional issues are interfering with my daily life almost as much as this stupid flu is.
Where is the support from family and friends when we're having a really tough day? Who is offering the emotional equivalent to soup, medicine, or puke bags?
You see, when I'm sick, people can identify what is wrong and relate. The same cannot always be said for mental health struggles. Many people find them to be something awkward or even something that "makes" the person unstable and therefore a weak link.
I've been told many things like that. I've been called inconsistent, agitated, short fused, etc. However, when I don't feel well physically I am told to get some rest, take care of myself, and don't come back until I'm healthy.
Why aren't we giving the same grace to ones with unseen illnesses? Not just mental health, but all...
For now, I will take advantage of my caring family and rest, but please ponder this and even evaluate your own past behaviors or responses that have sent the wrong signal to someone hurting.
Have a great week!
Home alone, unable to move, shivering under three blankets, on a heating pad, and waiting for my husband to come home with some Theraflu in 5 hours, I was miserable. Don't get me wrong, I still feel like crap, but I can at least write as I lay in my bed.
The reason for this quick post is to say that I had a momentary thought of feeling guilty for having my husband take care of me, the kids play without me, and dinner served without my help.
However, that guilt left immediately because I could justify all of that because I am physically sick. The kids and husband understand and accommodate without question. Of course, they don't want whatever it is that I have, but it's "culturally normal" to let sick people rest and give them time to get better.
This got me thinking, why is it not okay that we allow mental health days? Sometimes my struggles with bipolar or other emotional issues are interfering with my daily life almost as much as this stupid flu is.
Where is the support from family and friends when we're having a really tough day? Who is offering the emotional equivalent to soup, medicine, or puke bags?
You see, when I'm sick, people can identify what is wrong and relate. The same cannot always be said for mental health struggles. Many people find them to be something awkward or even something that "makes" the person unstable and therefore a weak link.
I've been told many things like that. I've been called inconsistent, agitated, short fused, etc. However, when I don't feel well physically I am told to get some rest, take care of myself, and don't come back until I'm healthy.
Why aren't we giving the same grace to ones with unseen illnesses? Not just mental health, but all...
For now, I will take advantage of my caring family and rest, but please ponder this and even evaluate your own past behaviors or responses that have sent the wrong signal to someone hurting.
Have a great week!
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