Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar

Much thanks to HealthyPlace.com and an anonymous donor for donating money for my Walk for NAMI this weekend. To find out more visit Super Bipolar Brain and Body.

I walked this weekend even though I visited my psychiatrist last week and she told me that I'm depressed. She put me on Pristiq until I can get over the hump of it. I have just been feeling sad and alone because of my father's death. This holiday season will be particularly hard on me. I always had my dad. He always called me on my birthday, which is this week, and we talked every few days. It's been difficult not being able to call him and ask him questions and to hear his voice. I wanted to spend Thanksgiving with him this year since he was finally living in the States, but that is not meant to be. And then there's Christmas. I wanted to spend Christmas with him, too.

But, it wasn't meant to be and I have to deal with that. I guess I'm not dealing as well as I thought I was. But I know it will get better.

About the Author: Cristina C. Fender, 34, is rapidly becoming an expert on Bipolar Disorder. She has been researching Bipolar Disorder and blogging about her own experiences for several years. At age 21 she was diagnosed with depression and saw psychiatrists for over ten years before she was correctly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I. Her vision for writing at Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar is to inform and educate the public about mental illness. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

© 2009 Cristina C. Fender

Did anyone see the episode on Schizophrenia this week on Oprah? It was about a schizophrenic seven year old and how her parents deal with her disorder. It was so hard to watch. I feel for her parents and for her. Life is not easy for a mental patient of any age, but especially for children.

It reminded me of why I'm walking for NAMI this weekend. I'm walking in the hopes that NAMI will use the donated money to better help people with mental illnesses. I'm walking because I want there to be a cure. I'm walking for those who can't help themselves and who end up in mental hospitals without an end in sight. I often pass by the state cemetery where they bury patients from the state mental hospital. It's so sad that they live their lives with mental illnesses that destroy their brain and then when they die they're alone because their families have forgotten about them.

I walk for myself, too. I walk in the hopes that one day there will be a cure for what I have. I walk because I'm proud that I've come this far. Three years ago I was a bipolar mess and now my medications have leveled me out somewhat. I'm functioning. I might fall now and again, but at least I pick myself up and get going again. And now I'm walking for those that can't get up.

About the Author: Cristina C. Fender, 34, is rapidly becoming an expert on Bipolar Disorder. She has been researching Bipolar Disorder and blogging about her own experiences for several years. At age 21 she was diagnosed with depression and saw psychiatrists for over ten years before she was correctly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I. Her vision for writing at Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar is to inform and educate the public about mental illness. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

© 2009 Cristina C. Fender

I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me. It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI's signature walkathon event that is being held in Austin, TX at Auditorium Shores on October 10, 2009.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.

The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Cristina Fender

About the Author: Cristina C. Fender, 34, is rapidly becoming an expert on Bipolar Disorder. She has been researching Bipolar Disorder and blogging about her own experiences for several years. At age 21 she was diagnosed with depression and saw psychiatrists for over ten years before she was correctly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I. Her vision for writing at Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar is to inform and educate the public about mental illness. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

© 2009 Cristina C. Fender