May, May I share

Hello,

Today is the first installment of my May Mental Health Month. I am beginning with a friend, Sarah Sexton, who I met through a group that supports women with mental illness online called "Through the Looking Glass!" Her poetry resonates with me deeply because we share similar experiences with bipolar disorder. What I like most about her poetry is that it transcends itself, so that those who do not suffer from mental illness can clearly grasp our reality.  You can contact Sarah at sarahsexton1092@gmail.com to get a taste of more of her poetry. She also has a Children's book coming out . It's a love message from mother to her child, "Love You Too." It will be available on Amazon.com and her website greenkitebooks.com on September 1st.

May

May I share

May

Mental Health Awareness Month

By Sarah Sexton

May 2018

May, the day shine when mental health soldiers are viewed as an art, instead of stigmatic contribution, retribution to society.

Stigma:  /noun/  1. A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

May, a person view and appreciate art and presume that inevitably that was produced by a mentally ill soldier.  No sane person inhabits such a talent. 

May, a mood disorder astound others by the amazing:

·      Powerhouse attorney’s closing argument

·      Entrepreneur—afraid of nothing

·      Human that takes risks and succeeds

·      Poetry

·      Literature

·      Artwork

·      Theatre

·      Educating

·      Advocating

·      Compassion

·      Kindness

·      Creativity!!!

·      Spirit of Jesus, a remarkable human being

·      Knowledge of Einstein

·      Art of Da Vinci

·      Humor

·      Love

·      Talent

·      Family member

May, the struggle of the mentally ill be so successful that everyone knew they had to be in mental distress because such a mountain was scaled.  No sane person could endure harsh altitudes. 

May, you know life does not stop, our mental soldiers add vitality.

May, society know that a mental health epidemic is not every angry, every disgraced human being receiving a “mental ill” red card from media, from society. 

May, society know that when numbers of our great are discarded, our eyes reflect in them, the homeless.

May, mental illness soldiers, dimmed by society walk out of constrained rooms, closets, holding blazing torches.  Scorned by employers, friends, family. 

May, you educate yourself on the strength and fortitude of a life such lived.

May, you pray that disease does not cast its shadow on you or others your heart loves.  Disease is disease, deserving of compassion from kind hearts. 

May, you comprehend, that opportunities for the mentally ill fall, but mad talent climbs, it’s hard to be “on” all the time.   

May, you know when I read, see, hear talent I presume they conceive a mental illness, because no sane person could possess that talent.

And, May, I apologize if you are certifiably sane and possess talent and success.  It’s a stigma I hold towards you.  Hopefully it will blow out.  But, I presume that if you love someone different than you, someone with a mental illness, you are a better person therefor.

I am

______________________________________________________________________
Sarah Sexton

Sarah Sexton is honored to be a mother, wife, writer, educator, advocate, daughter and sister.  Sarah is an American currently living abroad with her family, husband and three daughters, in Europe.  Sarah lives with bipolar type I.  She is aware of the varying struggles the mental illness community, and herself endure.  Sarah raises awareness about mental health and stigma through her work and voice.   She strives to shine light on the fortitude of a life lived with mental illness.