Mental illness and addiction are national issues

Anyone who cares about someone with a mental illness or substance abuse problem knows the difficulties it creates. Often, help just isn’t available to them and life becomes a vicious cycle.

As the national election approaches, it’s the ideal time to bring these issues to the attention of the presidential candidates. Join Together has made it easy to voice your concerns through a petition developed by the Whole Health Coalition.

If you haven’t already done so, please add your name to this petition calling on the presidential candidates and their parties to make these reforms a priority. Whole Health Campaign leaders will deliver it to the candidates and party leaders.

Don't miss this opportunity to voice your concerns about the level of care in this country for those who need help with mental health and substance abuse problems.

http://members.jointogether.org/campaign/wholehealthcampaign/

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Starting over, finally!

I owe any readers who may be left out there—and myself—a big apology. It’s been months since I’ve posted, but I think I’m finally ready to get back to adding my two-cents to issues affecting families and others who love someone suffering from substance abuse and addiction.

In the past year, many important things have come to an end: my marriage, my job, caring for a dear little girl I’ve grown to love like family, living on the East coast. On the other hand, I won’t miss driving in blizzards, scraping ice off the windshield, or shoveling the car out of the snow.

Despite the things that have come to an end, a whole new life is opening up near my family and in an area that I enjoy. But also, closer to family members who struggle with addiction—two in recovery, one still active.

We’re doing as well as can be expected with a son/husband/daddy incarcerated about 250 miles away. Because of the distance, visits usually take an entire weekend. It’s a big commitment but thankfully, he has a committed wife.

She’s working hard at her recovery too, and I know enough to know I need to take care of myself. I will come up with a plan to avoid codependency—for sure! Watch for more soon.

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