Mental Health and This Site
Attention anyone who lives or has lived with mental health issues! Have you ever wished you could share your story, whether to free yourself from its power, to help others, or to simply "get it out there"? This is your opportunity to do so, both for yourself and for others.
At the time of this writing, this site is not complete and has not been officially launched. If you're visiting Surviving Hope by way of this blog post, you are getting a sneak peek of what's to come! Please enjoy a look around, and keep in mind that content will be filled in prior to the official launch of the website.
If you've visited our About page, you know that the purpose of this website is to help anyone living with mental health to feel less alone in the living.
This post is to expound on that purpose.
My goal is to run this website a bit like an online magazine. You'll see links on the home page to the main sections of the site, and the content in each of those will be updated routinely. (Past content will be available via the links under the page header.)
"Routinely?" you ask. "How many time periods in a 'routinely'?"
That's where you come in. You may have noticed that the first main section is titled "Featured Story." This is going to be a personal story of someone's experience with mental health. This is the only part of the website's changing content that I have very little control over.
My ultimate goal is to run new content every month. But in order to do that, I have to have enough people lined up to share their stories that I can confidently change the story monthly and still expect to have more people signing up over time to share their stories as well.
So right now I just need a list of people who are interested in sharing their story. You do not have to have it already written, and you do not have to commit to having it written by next week. You can remain anonymous if you choose; I will designate articles with either a first name, or first and last initial, or any other name you wish to go by, such as a middle name. As I receive indications of interest, I will add people to a list, and will contact those people to let them know when their scheduled month (or other time period) is for sharing their story, so they can be working on the writing.
All you need to do is shoot me an email (kleighmichaels@gmx.com) to let me know you are interested in sharing. I will respond with a few questions/more information, and will maintain contact with you to let you know when the schedule of features is ready.
A few more items, to avoid confusion or ambiguity. Mental illness comprises (but may not be limited to) the spectrums of depression and anxiety disorders (including postpartum), bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD/OCPD, schizophrenia, AD/HD, PTSD, eating disorders, self-injury and self-harm, DID, Autism Spectrum, agoraphobia, and other mood and personality disorders.
Mental health issues can be chemical/inherent, or can arise from traumatic experiences. Stories can and should include a whole picture; I mention this only because no one should feel they are excluded from sharing a story that is related to a trauma or other type of situation. ALL stories related to mental health are welcome and encouraged; you never know who else your story may encourage or give strength and courage to.
What are you waiting for? Your contribution can help make this website a community that you love and are proud to be a part of! The only thing I'm waiting for is your email!