RealMental.org
For a very long time, I’ve wanted a place on the internet where I could talk about mental health issues with other people in an open and loving manner. I kept looking even though I couldn’t find it. My blog has served somewhat for this, but I talk about so many other things in here, that it’s just not quite the same thing.
At Blogher, Jess and I started talking about a ‘project’ together. Something online. Somewhere we could talk about parenting issues and mental health issues and somewhere around the third time she said, ‘Leah? So, are you ready to do this?‘, I realized, Holy Cow. This is the place I’ve been looking for, only I’m going to be creating it instead of finding it.
RealMental.org is a home of sorts. It’s a place where everyone is welcome who wishes to explore what it means to have a mental disorder, be in a relationship with someone who has a mental disorder and all the other things that go along with that including medication, depression and self-help techniques. My greatest hope is to break down barriers and remove the stigma attached to the words Mental Illness, because they are just words. And it’s real people living those things and trying to cope with those things and it’s hard and they (and I) just want others to understand and not judge.
If you are someone who has something to share and no place to put it, please consider our RealMental home your home as well. Email me and we’ll talk.
What a great idea. I realized as I got older that I had many friends who ended up being diagnosed with one thing or another and are talking medication. It makes you think about what “normal” is..and if there really is a normal.
My observation has also lead to questions; some of the most popular bloggers (Dad Gone Made and Dooce to name 2) blog about challagnes w/ mental health issues . Is it that most bloggers have issues or that it really is that common?
“Please consider our RealMental home your home”
Boy, you really have seen Bossy’s house, haven’t you?
Anyway, this is a great idea. Much success.
The very best idea EVER!!
Oh I’ll be lurking. I don’t think I dare write very much at all about my struggles - but I’ll be reading. Xo to all of you.
Congratulations! What a wonderful project!
Delurking to say that I’ve read every single entry so far at RealMental. Bless you and Jess and everyone else for doing this. It makes such a difference to know you aren’t alone and to read others’ experiences. Many, many thanks.
I love the name. And though I haven’t had to deal with this personally on an ongoing basis, I love people who have/do.
This is meaningful Leah. I’m so glad you and Jess are doing this.
what a wunnerful idea!
Delurking to say I got to Realmental through jess- it is an incredible work in progress, so honest and so important- i wish i had time to sit and read every word. Thank you for collaborating on it!
Hi Leah,
Wanted to let you know that I’ve included RealMental in my BlogDay 2007 list of 5 new blogs. Thanks for the brainchild (pun fully intended). I can’t wait to share it with all of my friends in need. You’re filling a huge void in the support system.
perfect. this is really great!
[...] Just a bit of Leah’s latest project—realmental.org: leahpeah : Blog Archive » RealMental.org RealMental.org is a home of sorts. It’s a place where everyone is welcome who wishes to explore what it means to have a mental disorder, be in a relationship with someone who has a mental disorder and all the other things that go along with that including medication, depression and self-help techniques. My greatest hope is to break down barriers and remove the stigma attached to the words Mental Illness, because they are just words. And it’s real people living those things and trying to cope with those things and it’s hard and they and I just want others to understand and not judge. [...]