Share your story – Kelsy King
Tell us a little about yourself
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and advocate to End Mental Illness Stigma. I am also a retired Registered Nurse. I love to write on my blog. Life is good!
What mental health challenges have you experienced?
I have a long history with mental illness – first starting after an extreme period of stress in my early twenties. I became manic and delusional, though the diagnosis of Bipolar did not come until many years later. I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and PTSD.
How did you get support for your mental illness?
My family have been a tremendous means of support. My mother and father (who have passed) were the strength that I so needed, especially with raising three children and also having an emotionally abusive and angry ex-husband.
I am now married to a wonderful supportive husband who encourages me. I also have a therapist in which I trust and am so glad that I found many years ago.
I find that journalling and writing my short stories has helped me to grow and learn to heal from past wounds.
Also I take medication and watch my energy level and my moods carefully. I am proactive with my health care, and try to exercise on a regular basis (which helps with my well-being).
Learning to not be ashamed of my mental illness has helped me to live freely, without needless shame (there is nothing for me to be ashamed of).
I have experienced stigma and discrimination, and fighting towards less stigma with empathy and awareness, is my goal.
Whether your story is a few words or great many words, it is your story. Kelsy’s story is heartwarming and inspiring and we just love her positive assertion that life is good! Share your inspiring story here.
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