Why Read This?

My New Novel, Rose Coloured Houses is coming soon. If you’d like to be among my first readers, I’m offering Chapter One, free!

Click here to receive Chapter One

My daughter, Justine was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when she was a teenager. We had had some very scary and shocking displays of recklessness. Justine was our first child and we thought it was rebellious teenaged behaviour. We soon realized something far more serious was going on. In the search for help we felt helpless and dismissed by the health care system until we finally were given the name of a caring counsellor and found the right medication. It took years of going on and off various prescriptions to find one that worked. It was a terrifying time.

I had always hoped Justine might speak about some of her experiences but now it’s up to me. Justine was killed in a car accident last year. I want to tell her story in the hope that other families will not have to go through the same loneliness and frustration we felt trying to find someone who understood and cared. Lifting the stigma about mental illness is the first step and I do think it is getting much better.

I have written and published a book about her life so she will never be forgotten. She lived a lot of life in her 29 years. Most people don’t know much about it because it was her story, not mine, to talk about. That’s why I have called my book, “Not My Story To Tell”.

Please feel free to comment and share any blogs you think might be of interest to your readers. I would especially like to connect with readers who have bipolar disorder or other mental health issues or professionals who might benefit from hearing Justine’s story. Understanding is the first step to stopping the stigma surrounding mental illness.

You can purchase the memoir HERE.

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131 thoughts on “Why Read This?”

  1. Thanks for following my blog. Our only daughter, now 40, was diagnosed with PTSD and receives regular counselling. She is epileptic so can be very fragile at times. Keep smiling and honouring Justine. Sending a virtual hug!

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Cathy, I am so sorry for your terrible loss, I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. My husband is bi-polar and my eldest daughter shows symptoms but denies it. You are doing a wonderful thing, I’m so glad to have made your acquaintance. Thank you so much for your support of our work 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I’ve said this to so many readers….I can’t believe how many people know or have family members suffering from mental health issues. As soon as I mention it, people respond like you did. My _______ has bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD ……This is why I’m writing. We need to get this disease out in the open like cancer, diabetes and other illnesses. It’s been in the shadows far too long.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Thank you for following my blog, Cathy. So very much appreciated. You’re absolutely right, the first step is destigmatising mental illness. I am now retired, having worked in the field for 30 years, but remain passionate about putting mental health out there where it belongs, with all other health related conditions, side by side. With equal support and funding. I’m so sorry for your loss. But you are honouring the life and love for your daughter in what you are doing now. Wish you all the very best.

    Liked by 5 people

  4. Hi Soul Gifts and Cathy. I agree it is so so important. I feel particularly strongly about it in the case of personality disorders, bipolar and other conditions that so often co-occur likea eating disorders and drug addiction. I guess because they’re personal to me and my loved ones’ experiences. I think the breath of the impact of these kind of illnesses across your whole life is not sufficiently recognised and too often the frightening parts of the conditions are hidden away. For example I find a huge stigma around talking about self harm and suicidal thoughts and seeking help, or socially “not okay” experiences and emotions. I think you’re doing wonderful work. I really hope as I continue on in my recovery I may be able to talk about my experiences and build on them to somehow help other sufferers and their loved ones and maybe also professionals. Of course if need to train to be able to.
    Sending prayers for you both xx

    Liked by 3 people

  7. Hello Cathy,

    I read about Justine, I am sorry for your loss.
    I come from a family that has a history of mental illness. From maternal side, my uncle was schizophrenic, one cousin committed suicide few years ago and another one is suffering from depression. From my paternal side, there are few cases of depression and sociopaths. I understand that they are the ones who need more love and care. I grew up around these people and though I am still young, I have learnt a lot from experiences – Not all are same, some need more care and support than others, and we should always be there for them.
    Happy to follow your blog, Cathy.

    Rekha

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Thank you for following my blog. It helps a lot!
    I just now read this and I’m so sorry for your loss.
    I’m always glad to see people like you, who put work into helping others.
    I don’t have any stories to tell about mental illness, but I’d like to deliver my most sincere thanks to you.
    Sharing these stories surely helps a lot of people and I admire all the effort you put into this.
    Thank you for writing this blog, sharing these stories and helping other people!

    Sincerely,
    Noah

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Thanks for popping into the site. Hopefully you get some music to listen too and flicks to watch. Forgive CB for his twisted takes, he can’t help himself. (On your front, helping others is never a bad thing especially coming from someone who has lived through a challenging situation. Take care) CB

    Liked by 2 people

      1. CLB but CB for short. I had a look at some of your site. Along with pulling at CB’s heart strings, your paintings have something going on. Very good work CLB. I usually stick with the music thing but i will drop in from time to time now I know you’re there. Later.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Hi, Cathy, Truly here. I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through–especially your loss in the wake of Justine enduring so much before leaving this world. It is a testament to your generosity of spirit and resilience that you are using your gifts to help others–while honouring your precious Justine. Thanks for connecting with me…I am “following” you too.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Cathy, I love what you’ve done for Justine. I have dealt with some of these issues as well, but I am not able to tell now, as you so beautifully put it. What an honor for beautiful Justine to be remembered with such courage and honesty. I understand a small part of what you’ve been through, and I can’t think of anything more emotionally devastating. I love thinking of Justine as your muse, however, smiling every time you think of her. I think writing is a sacred process. May it aid your healing as it has mine. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. As a mom, I simply can’t imagine…you will be in my prayers as you carry on honoring her memory in your writing. Thank you the follow, It is always so nice to connect with people around and read about their lives and works to help others.
    Enjoy your trip to Prince Edward Island! I’ve wanted to go since watching Anne of Green Gable years ago with my mom!! God Bless!

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I appreciate it so much. I am so glad that I found you and your blog. I am a mum and I know how you feel about your daughter. I have one and only child. She is a daughter too, 22 years of age. She is normal, well educated, and it is still not easy when helping her through way in life and to make her understand the world. And that is why I know and understand where you are coming from for Justine. I am sure there are lots of mothers who are blogging and have found your blog and who will stick by you and understand where you are at this stage of your life at losing your daughter. I have a lot to read about your blog since we’ve just met. I hope we will keep communicating through our blogs. Take care now and god bless you!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. Hello and thankyou for following me. I hope you have found some healing through the process of writing your daughter’s story. I can’t imagine how you or your family must feel, but I imagine this has given you a very deep and meaningful way of dealing with your grief. I will stop by again and read some more. P.S. Your garden is beautiful 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Cathy, I am so very sorry for your loss, but what a beautiful way to pay tribute to her and her memory.
    My family has been plagued with one type of mental illness or another for generations. It is so scary what the mind can and will do to someone. I suffer from PTSD, anxiety and depression.
    I’m thankful, also, that even though there is still some stigma attached to those suffering, it is not anything like it once was.
    Thank you for following my blog.
    Blessings!

    Liked by 2 people

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