Thursday, October 03, 2013

Mental Illness Awareness

Hello everyone!  A very warm welcome to you all!  The video I have chosen for this post is entitled "My Great Story Video Project: Great Expectations."  It is about the life of an actor named Chris Burke.  He is a wonderful person...I just saw an episode of Touched by an Angel today where he played the role of an angel with a disability.  He has down syndrome.  It is a 4 minute video that I enjoyed very much and hope you all do as well!

I find that we have come a good distance as far as accepting and understanding those who have mental illness, but I really think that we still have a long way to go!  I appreciate and admire people like Chris Burke who are able to speak out about their disability, showing that people with disabilities are able to do much, much more than many people think they can!  I like the part where he focuses on the ABILITIES and not the DISABILITY.  

So I have chosen to talk about mental illness in this post, because I really believe that the more we talk about it and shed light on it, the more people will understand and appreciate that people with mental illness can (and do) accomplish so much.  As with every human being, people with mental illness appreciate a kind word, a hug, a respectful and gentle approach and it can work wonders.  I know that many of you reading this have no problem with showing kindness and affection towards those with mental illness...but remember the post I shared a while back about the boy who had autism, and I had taught him in my Sunday school class?  Well, it seems that I was the only one in the church (besides his family) who actually hugged him!!!  I find this sad, but it happens a lot more often than we think.  I believe it is because many people still don't know how to reach out and interact with someone who has a mental illness.  I am praying that more and more people are able to take time to be kind and to get to know them.  

The photos I am sharing today are ones that I took on a recent walk in a nature park.  They had a few Halloween decorations up that I found cute.  You just need to click on the images to see a larger view.



Quote:  I want to break down some of the stigma associated with mental illness. - Gail Porter

Thank you all so much for visiting me here!  I always appreciate and enjoy reading your kind thoughts, which you are always welcome to share by clicking on the 'comments' link at the end of my post.

22 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:57 PM

    Hello Linda ! :)
    Everything looks so good !
    Great photos, thanks.

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  2. Linda, Thank you for addressing this issue. I have a grandson with Asperger's syndrome an Autism Spectrum Disorder. We definitely know that beyond the different look and behavior there is a great mind and personality. They are just waiting for someone to encourage and support them. One of my daughters, not that grandson's mom, is a speech pathologist and works solely with these children. Our family is right there with you on this issue and I pray daily for acceptance and understanding toward God's angels.
    Thank you for visiting me. Your email was "NoReply" so I couldn't respond but thank you for your nice comment.
    Blessings, Ginger

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  3. cute witch decorations

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  4. Your openness helps so much.We don;t need professionals...we need people who reach out, like yourself.

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  5. Very touching video, Linda. And I love those Halloween decorations~ the first one made me laugh!

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  6. You have such an open and compassionate heart, Linda. We need more attitudes like yours!

    Those Halloween decorations are cute. People really get creative this time of year with their decorations.

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  7. Thank you Linda , shining light on being kind , respectful and understanding .

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  8. nice pictures Linda , happy weekend :-)

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  9. Nice are the photos!
    Greetings, RW & SK

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  10. There's too much apathy around mental illness Linda. Good on you for airing this.
    I also love walking in parks that have a current theme. Nearly Halloween ! Where has the year gone ?

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  11. Anonymous4:52 AM

    Excellent video, with a positive message.
    The Hallowe'en decorations are fun.

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  12. Interesantes fotografías con esas simpáticas brujas. La cultura popular del lugar donde vivo es rica en historias de brujas buenas y malas, de hadas y otros seres misteriosos que pueblan bosques y fuentes. Un abrazo,

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  13. Hi LInda! I know what you mean. I have a relative who is a teacher of children with autism and Down syndrome, in Spain there is no problem, and no rejection of people with this disease. I loved the video and the photographs are beautiful. A kiss :)

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  14. Halloween is definitely on its way! :-)

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  15. Halloween is very near.

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  16. Is Chris Burke the same actor who was on "Life Goes On"?

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  17. Fun photos. : )
    I think many people don't mean to be mean they just don't understand or know how to react to people with mental illness. The more people learn about it the kinder perhaps they will be.
    You help getting it out there with your post. : )

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  18. Great pictures Linda and yes I do hope people have a deeper understanding of Mental illness.

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  19. Often, the people who seem to be unfeeling just don't know what to do when encountering someone with a visible disability, whether it's physical or mental. I know, for myself, I want to be kind; but I sometimes just don't know what to do that won't offend. Anyway, this is a good reminder to all of us.

    I enjoyed the "Witch Way" sign. :)

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  20. Still a long way to go, Linda...
    Lie(f)s.

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  21. Chris is an amazing young man...with a great outlook. The witch way sign is cute ...perfect for the park. :)

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  22. My brother suffered severely from mental illness. He was taken home just over 2 years ago - I posted this tribute to him.

    Thank you for helping raise awareness.

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