Good morning to all,

life is good today and we are all going through so much with world tragedy surrounding us. But, for me today it has been a good morning.

I want to say that life inside myself was a very scary situation that I never want to return to but it taught me life lessons that a lot of people never learn.

1.) I should have respect for others and never judge a book by it's cover.

2.) always be leery of others who give the impression that they are always telling you the truth and they know everything. Especially, those of the professional community.

Usually they have never been in a mental break, bi-polar manic episode or, know personally what you are truly feeling inside. They know through technology and books what is common.

3.) Keep an open mind to what the doctor and professional brings to the table because they are experienced and knowledgeable in solutions and information that could be pertinent to our recovery.

4.) Most professionals don't believe recovery is a probable option for most of us.

These things I have learned through my ordeal and I live with these in my mind as I heal everyday.

I strongly believe in recovery on a most definite stand. I believe that with certain helps that we can make a difference like everyone else in this world.

Keeping the faith in this belief is hard when the world tries to shut you down every chance they get. I try to keep an open mind but sometimes it is hard to not want revenge against comments made by my enemies who believe we are to be forced to sit on the sidelines and let them lead us around on a string.

I urge all who have a mental illness to stand up for yourself and all of us standing together will make the voice stronger. Support through NAMI has been an essential growth for me. I suggest this to anyone who will try it.

God bless and don't sell yourself short.

Remember, God didn't make no mistakes and with God, All things are possible.

Also, remember, you have to make an effort to get anywhere no one can do it for you.

You will be surprised what God can do if you give him the chance to show you. Have the gumption to give Him the utmost respect and know he is God. He is in control!

God Bless,

Vanessa Hansen

2/23/10

Here i am

I am back folks after a break due to illness.

I have been receiving calls from other consumers if you will who deal with others who take advantage of their good nature. Trust is something we are learning to reach in our lives after being hospitalized and/or out of touch. I think that trust is a strong emotion that takes a life of learning a person and their traits to understand.

I have learned in my life that if I loose trust in a person it might hurt for a short time but I will get by and go on. I have reached that point in my life.

However, many have not reached that point or possibly never will. They spend their time trying to figure out what they did wrong? How they could have changed things? These kind of questions eat at anyone I am sure but for those of us with the challenges of facing acceptance from others on a daily basis it can be a detrimental factor that can destroy us.

No matter how long it takes in ones life acceptance is a necessity for complete approval and love of ones self. I know it sounds silly that someone else's opinion should have a barring on another's love for their self, but it is true a lot of the time.

A dear a close friend to me informed me this morning that she trusted this woman to be her friend for over a year and that she had been invited on a trip with her to her families for Christmas. Being a consumer and not feeling accepted in most settings she jumped at the chance to feel familiar setting once more in her life.

The trip took place and the womans brother, who was over her money, went her money to go on. When she received these checks she signed them over to her friend in good faith. The trip took place and she had a great time while feeling some what like a third wheel she enjoyed herself and was very excited to tell me about it when she got home.

Now, The lady that invited her on this trip to her parents home for Christmas, is harassing the little older woman for more money for the trip. I am appalled that people will use others like this from any point but especially someone who is situationally distressed already. Someone who has to have a overseer to care for her money and has a mental disability if you must call it that. How can some one be so cruel?

Unfortunately, this happens everyday to the mis-fortunate. I don't see how these people can live with themselves.

This is why I do what I do, why I stand up for these people and fight for their rights to be heard and understood. I beg you all to listen to people like Larry and Linda Drain and search out NAMI for information on how you can help others who need your support.

They are not all looking for your pity most of them just want a chance to become an accepted part of society. You would be surprised how many of them already are working among you that you have no idea they have a problem. Reach out to others and help them come back to reality.

Don't abuse them and take advantage of their trusting nature.

Vanessa Hansen