DEPRESSION // #DiffAbility.

#DiffAbility. What is it?

I’m loving this new phrase. Inspired by a quote I saw last week. We are no longer in possession of a disability. But instead have a different-ability. It’s #DiffAbility.

Having mental health illness or any disability for that matter, automatically puts you in an ‘abnormal’ category. But really, what is normal anyway? Many people suffering mental health illness, are also hugely gifted in other ways. More gifted, it would seem, than your average person, who does not suffer mental health disease.

So I love the idea that we are not in fact disabled, but that we are in fact abled. Very abled. In many, many other ways.

History has shown time and time again, that some of the most acclaimed talents and influences in the the world; world renowned artists, musicians, leaders, writers, actors and general population, also suffer mental health disease.

Really it’s no surprise, as it is now estimated that 1 in 4 of the general population, has, at any given time, a mental health problem.

I have always been drawn to the fact that evidence shows that the most intelligent and creative of our species can also walk the fine line of insanity. Look at Churchill, Charles Dickens, Beethoven, Abraham Lincoln, Florence Nightingale and Ernest Hemingway, all of whom have been noted for their excellence in their field, whilst also suffering mental health illness.

There is clinical evidence, that the frontal cortex of the brain, that is responsible for intellect and creativity, is also the hub of emotion and mood. So it would seem that, if you’re blessed with one, you may have to accept the other.

I have been labeled intelligent and creative my whole life. I am able to put my hand to most things. But it seems that these attributes come with a down side. I am also a depressive and highly anxious at times. So is it worth it? To be so creative and alive in so many areas of your life, but to pay a price of sinking to your lowest ebb? For me it is. But that may not be true for everyone.

I was at one time running a very successful art business. Creating varied and loved pieces. Not long later I had a really bad episode of depression. My medication was changed. It worked. I was back to myself again. However, there was one big change, I no longer felt creative. I no longer had that burning desire to make or create. It felt odd at first, as this creativity had been lifelong. But looking back it was also quite manic. So when I asked my doctor whether there was a connection between my new medication and lack of creativity, he responded with a resounding “Yes! ” He had had many patients experience the same thing.

So I guess, what we are saying here, is that maybe, in order to be a great talent or creative whizz or genius even, there could be a chance your brain will also suffer mood disorders.

We live in a world where there is generally more acceptance. Every day, we see more and more minimalised sectors of the population, being seen and heard for the first time. Minorities, in every area, are working hard to break down barriers. Mental health illness is no different. Just this week, a new government taskforce has been assigned to look at future funding for mental illness. It is still a minority group, and desperately needs focus and attention. But maybe, with more and more people like myself, making mental health illness a norm, we may start to see small changes. Whether that be, first, within your immediate family and friends, or within the wider community.

Anything that changes the negative focus on mental health, to one that is more open and honest, is great in my book. Whether you are disabled in this way or not, celebrating a #Diffability is wonderful. Looking at your differences as a good thing, instead of something to be ashamed of, is a step that we all should be making.

So as Lulu Jo says: ‘Let the freak flag fly baby. It’s beautiful. And a wonder to behold.’ Your #DiffAbility makes you wonderous. Makes you unique. Who wants to be dead straight normal anyway? I don’t.

Celebrate your mental illness, as part of the exciting web and intricate detail that is you. No one has or ever will be again, the same as you. Some days your mental or physical disabilities may weigh heavy. They may even consume your life for a while. But even then, you have to remember that you are so, so much more than your mental health.

Take time to consider this point. Where do you shine? Where do you excel? I bet it is in many, many ways. Celebrate that. Celebrate you. Celebrate your #DiffAbility. To deny one part of yourself, is to let your whole self down. So start throwing some love at it. Some thanks even. Because you are unique. And because if you look close enough, even this so called disability, will have brought about positive things in your life and for the countless others around you. It makes you, you!

Don’t hide your differences away. Celebrate your #DiffAbility. In doing so, you’re breaking down barriers. In time, maybe the stigma will lessen, and those with mental health illness will be seen for the shining stars that they are. We are so much more than an illness, but people of great depth, love and talent and creativity. So let the freak flag fly baby, and shine, shine, shine.

Onwards my loves, Kiki xox

” You are smart, you are kind, you are beautiful and you are important.”

Also, please use the #diffability hashtag on social media, wherever and whenever you can!

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For more advice:

Depression & Anxiety

Well-being techniques

Fibromyalgia

Onwards my loves, Kiki xox