One of the biggest challenges I faced since being diagnosed with a mental illness was the death of my youngest son. It had me worried for a long time because I knew because of his disabilities he would not live forever. That I accepted, but it worried me still about the how I would respond since I have a mental illness — Bipolar Disorder/Depression.
Well, he passed away in 2010 and I knew those who loved me had the same concerns. I also knew I had a dream I still wanted to accomplish. I had a plan for quite some time about how to survive life-altering events. This was how I could keep a plan to stay in recovery and I had help, too.
Doing this 500-piece puzzle and listening to Juanita Bynum`s ‘Soul Cry” helped me to mourn and grieve my youngest son`s death. It helped me to focus and cope and avoid going to the hospital. I notified my Dr. that my son passed and he checked on me twice. With my other 2 children, family, and our Lord, I was fine. When I miss my son, I have the puzzle to remind me of the many ways he brought me joy. The funny thing is that my daughter`s dog took a piece. So my puzzle reflects a part of me that is gone forever and to never forget all the reasons I worked hard to stay well. … My other children need me. And God is always there. Amen!
I give God the glory because I survived a mighty test and shook off negative labels. I am still in recovery and my dream is alive and well! There is hope for anyone with a mental illness to achieve mental wellness recovery. It begins with access to healthcare. The Affordable Care Act is the access to healthcare essential benefits that can lead you to your dreams.
The Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, provides mental healthcare essential benefits and you cannot be denied due to pre-existing conditions. Only a doctor can make the diagnosis of a mental illness. This is important for young adults to know and understand because they are high-risk for developing Depression. Untreated Depression leads to a more serious mental illness.
The days are winding down for APPLYING, SHOPPING, and BUYING affordable healthcare. Visiting Healthcare.gov will allow the young adults in your life to GET COVERED by January 1, 2014.
There are many, many health insurance plans on the website. Uninsured Young Adults can shop for the best affordable health coverage, make the premium payment to the provider he/she selects and begin the new year covered for health and mental health insurance.
Why is this important? When uninsured young adults purchase health insurance, they have access to health services. When they become sick, they will go to the doctor’s office, get any necessary medications, lab work, etc. They receive treatment. This keeps them healthier. They can learn better when healthy. They can work when they are healthy. They become more responsible as young adults. They take the burden off of citizens who pay the difference in costs when uninsured young adults use emergency rooms as doctor visits. They contribute to this wonderful country economically!!
This weekend is the perfect time before the December 23, 2013, deadline to GET COVERED! Healthcare coverage is a great gift idea, too, to get uninsured young adults started with health coverage. Spread that message TODAY!
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