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<font size=3>Thanks SO much, Mark!<br>
Sorry I had to miss yesterday's service, although I did attend one that
you led several years ago.<br>
We've talked about my family and our struggles with mental illness on a
number of occasions, and I've always appreciated your insights.<br>
Again, thanks for sharing, thanks for advocating, and thanks for your
work with the MHA.<br>
Bev B.<br><br>
<br><br>
At 03:21 PM 2/11/2019, Brewer Mark T via Lekooks wrote:<br>
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<br>
Erin, Gerry, Fran, <br>
<br>
Thank you so much for the kind words. I takes a village to make
these things happen. Lois did an amazing job pulling together and
reading all the fantastic readings. Karen Haskell, Greg Valde, Doug Este
and the entire choir added the amazing magical inspiring music.
<br>
<br>
And all of YOU ! It is only because of all you wonderful
people at LCUUC (my second home since my divorce almost 10 years ago)
that I could feel so comfortable and non-judged that I could take off the
mask and reveal my own personal struggles with mental illness !
<br>
<br>
Remember what each of you can do: <br>
<ol>
<li>Educate yourself. If you want to learn more there are lots of
articles online and many books.
<li>Advocate for policy change in our health care and criminal justice
systems to treat mental health patients more humanely and
effectively.
<li>BE someone’s support network. Go visit someone in a mental
facility, because no one does, and contrary to popular belief, it is not
scary or contagious ! If necessary lead an
intervention. Help your friend make an appointment and take them to
the appointment. If your friend is manic, keep an eye
on them if their behavior starts to become too over the top or risky, ask
them if they are still taking their meds. Most bipolars love being
manic so then they stop taking their meds which only makes things worse
on either end of their mood swings.
<li>All of you, feel free to stop by my place unannounced anytime.
3295 Silver Lake Drive, Oconomowoc. The winter sunsets over
the lake from the man cave can be amazing. Or on a hot weekend day
this summer, stop by with your swimsuit, there is always room for
more on the boat ! I long for the days of my childhood where
friends could just stop by someone’s house unannounced without calling or
texting ahead of time. Especially if you just need to talk
!
</ol> <br>
And lastly if it is you who suffers, reach out if you need help. If
you don’t have someone you can trust, you can call me 920-210-6003
anytime. I am not a medical professional, but as you heard
yesterday, I have lots of experience. I will never judge you.
I will help you get the help you need even if that is just someone to
talk to. <br>
<br>
Fight the Stigma ! <br>
<br>
Mark<br>
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</font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size=5 color="#0080FF"><i>Wag more . .
. . . Bark less !</font></i></body>
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