I’m glad that she’s changed her old ways, and has done some good.
I do respect her much more now.

Good reasons why I am not a blogger. I think the key is to know thyself. I already have a problem with extreme anxiety and compulsions – writing a blog would feed both of those. I am a believer in being as honest as one can be without hurting others, and have always tried to write with integrity. All too often, those who comment on blogs are angry and express it anonymously, without regard to who they will hurt. Subjecting myself to comments like that would drive me down into dangerous territory. So I try to keep my comments real, and as supportive as I can to balance the negativity I see expressed here by those who “hit-and-run.”

I find your article very interesting. If only people who are always projecting hate towards Angelina would read and try to understand that this lady is MIGHTY. I cant think of any other actress who and I know would talk about their past like she does.
We need people to talk about issues like these. Issues that are affecting people. Most actresses just want to show the “AM THE NEXT DOOR GIRL” But the next door girl is cutting herself, using drugs, drinking and so on and so fort.
I like Angelina very much cause she stands for everything that is Hollywood and American. That is she’s had a rough past like the rest of us, she caring like most american are and she’s beautiful like most americans would like to be.
To me she is an all American Girls of todays standards. NOT THE PLASTIC FACES WE ARE BEING SHOWNED ON TV AND MAGAZINES.

There was a chart in Entertainment Weekly that explained why she is such a dartboard for people. She combines, they noted, the humanitarianism of Audrey Hepburn, the personal life of Liz Taylor, and other tabloid characteristics of several other famous actresses beloved by the public. All in one woman.
(Besides, of course, being a deservedly Oscar-winning thespian and sexy as h*ll.)
I’m not sure what I “think” of Angelina (though I think BB readers know I’m not a huge fan of big families). But ultimately, it’s her life.

Therese,
Hope this posts; I’ve been having trouble with that. To “steal” from Sasha’s comment, you tOO ARE MIGHTY! It takesa trulyspecial person!(“called” if you will to respond so totally to the mission she or he has taken on so willingly and totally. (Mother Theresa comes to mind Accident of moniker; I think not! You too walk among the sick and often abandoned(some near death)albeit virtually, comforting, providing succor and illustrating God’s love. As the “untouchables of calcutta, your readership has also been ostraczed and cast aside by society and, I think become the “untouchables’ of the western world. Few truly want to reach ou to those with mental illnesses; they might be contagious! Yet here you are, not only reaching out, but freely admitting that you are one of us and have been where we are before emerging on the other side well eough to minister to nd encourage us.Whenever we see your lovely face on our computer screens, we know that another helping of hope is just a click away. I believe there’s a special place in heaven waiting for you (may it wait awhile yet, please!) and a special circle in Hell that Dante forgot about awaiting those who attack you for your willingness to minister openly and embrace EVERY aid to recovery while encouraging us to do the same. There are probably countless of B.B.ers who have become moreholistic because of what you share; FOR SURE there are many who have rejected meds until you’ve encouraged them wit your story of twenty-three different cocktails only to discover that the pills weren’t the evil thing they had imagined them to be and provide them some relief. This is NO SMALL thing, my dear, and much(most?) of it is due to your willingness to strip yourself emotionally bare in front of the world if it will further your message, which it clearly has. If simple, ordinary folk could nominate, you’d be on my “shortlist” for the Nobel Peace prize which that other Theresa was awarded, for your work has reached AT LEAST as many tortured souls and brought them through the terrors of mental illness and all of the stigmas attached to it, I honestly believe that “other Theresa would second the nomination from her seat in Heaven, were she able. You are one of the chosen, my dear, better yet, one of the chosen who has taken up the banner instead of walking away to enjoy the more pleasant parts of life as many chosen do.

I’ve known for some years that we need to take our own pain and use it to help someone else. You’ve done this.
Your posts remind us every day that we are not alone in this dis-ease.
Perhaps this is your Calling from God…helping us is certainly a Ministry.
I think you’re awesome for doing this. I couldn’t do it — I never know from day to day how I’m going to feel. To promise to do something like you’re doing isn’t possible for me anymore.
HOWEVER, there were many years when I was able to volunteer my time – consistently -, while raising our two girls.
One of these days the world will realize that we’re no different than someone with diabetes, arthritis, acid reflux….I could go on…
If we don’t keep talking, they will never ‘get’ it.

“Because by not mentioning my battle with depression and addiction, I would be doing absolutely nothing to remove the ‘stigma’ surrounding mental illness.”
First, you can help by not asserting there is one. I do not. Nor do abet anyone who does as a personal policy.
I am aware there are people who do, instead of asserting their prejudice as a universal, I educate them.
Harold A. Maio
Advisory Board
American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Board Member
Partners in Crisis
Former Consulting Editor
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal
Boston University
Language Consultant
UPENN Collaborative on Community Integration
of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities
Home:
8955 Forest St
Ft Myers FL 33907
239-275-5798
khmaio@earthlink.net

Hi Therese
Enjoyed your blog. Yes, you have to walk a fine line, I think. I think it’s important to put ourselves “out there” in respect to our diseases and how it has effected our lives. This, in turn, BLESSES soooo many people. And makes them feel so “not alone.”
However, you also are aware of the unfortunate position that you are put in when in the public eye and that is one that opens yourself up to criticism. Personally, I think it’s fine for others to have their own opinion, even different then ours, but why do some people have to be so nasty about it?
I think you’re wise in setting some boundaries and also steps of what you’re going to do. You have a plan. Plans are good–especially when it has to do with having to deal with something/someone negative and hurtful.
What helps me when people are critical and/or offensive to me is to think of where they are coming from emotionally. Is it a place of insecurity? Low self-esteem? Hurt? Pain? It certainly does not EXCUSE their behavior but sometimes it can explain things and help me put it in perspective.
Someone also told me once to pray for the people that hurt me. Pray for God to reap blessings on them. Actually, there’s a verse in the Bible about that, I believe, and it says that in doing so, you’re reaping hot coals on their head. Oh, I hope I didn’t totally misquote or screw that up.
Anyway, keep on keeping on. You do a fantastic job. You are doing something most people (and especially those of us who are depressives/bipolar, etc or who have been hurt or suffer addictions) could never do–and that is make yourself vulnerable. I thank you for your vulnerability. It gives me bravery at times to be able to reveal mine more often.Love Valerie

thanks for this post. sorry i can’t use my name here. but i am a well known public figure in my circle who experienced a personal failure and have been very open about it on my blog and in my personal relationships. (I don’t want to attract more traffic than necesssary from your higher-traffic blog, thats the only reason for being anonymous here) Some family and friends have discouraged me from being so open and honest about my own failure, and yet my own failure caught ME very much by surprise as I am in the ministry and thought this kind of thing could “never” happen to me. As I have been trasnparent and honest I have helped many men avoid the same thing and actually helped prevent several marriages from going through this. (my wife has fully forgiven and supported my openness and our marriage is much stronger for the open addressing of the issues we had both ignored, and im on only open about MY issues, I let her deal privately with the few little things she needed to work on)
At any rate, just wanted to say thank you for this encouragement to put up with the people who tell me to avoid the judgement and be quiet about the fact that I am human, it makes me wonder what they are hiding?
Can’t remember how I found your blog, but I enjoy it.

Let me simply say: you’re brave, you’re strong, and you’re inspiring. Thank you.

Therese, long ago I was somewhat well-known online for how honestly I shared about my life.
I am much, much more careful now. My blog is different, semi-anonymous, and I share differently now.
To figure out how much and what to share online is a hard thing to do. It feels good and clearing to be honest, and it allows us to make connections with kindred spirits. It also leaves us vulnerable to some very unkind, unbalanced people.
There’s a rush in sharing so much. One doesn’t need photos sometimes to lay the body and spirit bare.
So I have to ask myself many questions before I post something on my blog. Did I do this for me? What do I hope to achieve with this sharing? What will I do if someone responds in a hurtful way? Would I be okay if so-and-so read this post and heard these feelings just like this? Am I harming anyone I love or playing with their right to privacy in anything I’m sharing here?
There is a lot of value in sharing one’s journey. Sometimes I don’t write publicly about issues until I’ve integrated them more fully.
I don’t feel I owe *anyone* my process anymore — even my husband, frankly. I used to think that the only way I could validate my journey was by sharing it fully, with as many people as possible.
No more.
What I share now has to feel good to me and be benign for the people I love. I share other parts of my life with friends and mentors. I do share my journey honestly, though. There is quite a bit to share, and my life is better for the kindred spirits I’ve encountered who share parts of their lives, too.
At this point in my life — mid-40′s — I’m feeling pretty okay about my sharing boundaries. There is tremendous freedom in this comfort.
I am integrating myself into a new community of people who have no idea of my history. Sometimes I notice a “pressure to reveal” my story. Then I step back and realize that I would much rather let it all out slowly and with care, when (and only if) the times are right. It’s okay. It’s my life, and I’m in control.
Be brave, but keep being smart. Health is at stake.

I found Angelina Jolie,article very comforting and understood how she felt,she turned her life around which I am working on. I have been successful so far. But, at this time I needed to hear what Angelina Jolie had to say, she inspired me to keep going. If you cannot understand or see what she is letting you know. Then do not read it, YOU ARE NOT READY.

I think Angelinas story of coming from harming herself to helping others bespeaks of the spiritual lesson within: Getting out of our own sorry assed ego/judgement head VS. getting into a life that unselfishly gives/forgives and includes others!
Whatever we focus on…is exactly what we attract. At one time, Angelina was focusing on darkness & that’s what she got. Now, she has chosen to focus on things that she currently sees as more authentic and humanitarian, and that’s what she’s getting. You get what ya’ give is so true.

I don’t like Angelina Jolie,She is living in sin,she commited adultry,has children out of wedlock,I find her very wrong.

Hi Therese,
Thanks once again for real talk and action. As ever, I appreciate you discussing your process. I too crashed and burned big time 10 yrs ago, and now sober, am a different person, thank God. I believe I’ve worked through say 90% of that stuff, but still have twinges of shame, part of the disease I know. Time takes time.
Reading this today, and Angelina’s eloquent truthful remarks has helped me.
Thanks and LOVE to you.
A

I AM PROUD OF ANGELINA JOLIE. SHE HAS COME A LONG WAY. SHE LOVED BILLY BOB SO MUCH AND WANTED TO HAVE A CHILD WITH HIM HE TOLD HER HE DID NOT WANT TO HAVE A CHILD. THEY SPLIT-UP. THEN ANGELINA ADOPTED MADDOX.SOON AFTER THAT SHE FINDS OUT THAT HE GOT SOME WOMAN PREGNANT.SHE THEN ADOPTED ZAHARRA. MET A WONDERFUL MAN NAMED BRAD PITT WHO HAPPENED TO BE MARRIED AT THE TIME TO JENNIFER ANNISTON. BUT BRAD FEEL HARD FOR ANGELINA. THEY HAVE A CHID NAMED SHILOH TOGETHER. AND ADOPTED PAX. AND ARE EXCEPTING TWINS ON THE WAY. I THINK ANGELINA IS A WONDERFUL PERSON. I THINK THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO PUT THERESELF IN HER SHOES. IF A MAN WHO HAPPENED TO BE MARRIED WAS COMING ON TO YOU. AND YOU ARE NOT MARRIED WHAT WOULD YOU DO? I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU… BUT IF I WASNT MARRIED AND A MAN LIKE BRAD WAS COMING ON TO ME I WOULDN’T PUSH HIM AWAY…

Annie…will you be the first to throw a stone??

Angelina came on to Brad, not the other way around. Brad was wrong for letting it happen. Angelina knew he was married, but at the time Brad was one of the hottest stars out there, so Angelina wanted him. Remember, Angelina has always been sexually free (kissing her brother like her lover) and doesn’t have any morals or compassion when it comes to marriage. This is why Brad and Angelina aren’t married to this day. They just keep having or adopting more kids for what reason I don’t know. They have a nanny per kid. If you are going to have that many kids because you love them, then take care of them yourself, not pay another nanny to care for them. Angelina told her dark side because she is proud of it and she knows it would bring more attention her way. Jennifer A. is a good girl and Brad messed up. Now Jennifer can date who ever she wants and Brad is stuck taking care of a clan. Peolpe say Jen is a slut, but it is Angelina who broke up a happy home and that is a SLUT!

Annie is not throwing stones, but is giving her opinion. I find it disgusting myself that adultery, infidelity and bringing children into this world out of wedlock are given almost ‘saint’ status where these two are concerned. Ms. Jolie and Mr. Pitt are NOT being ‘humanitarian’ in the name of Jesus Christ or even in the name of God and they definitely aren’t doing anything for God’s glory. We are all sinners and are at the mercy of our God, but let’s call this what it is and not make it sound so wonderful and worthy.

I have to agree – theputic discussion on a variety of levels can free a person. I commend you for opening yourself up, and taking in only what you are able and willing. Just as you are willing to share in the name of positivity, others will dump negatively. Look at it as just that.
Best Blessings to you.
Self importance is not a stong suit of mine, nor will it make the message any more valid – so I will not bother listing all places where I have been published (Larry from 6/17…really???)
Stacy

I believe the true nature of each and every one of us, especially the angry or highly opinionated ones, is that of a very sensitive body of energy. Not every one will have the same opinion, and often this difference will bring out the need to control for the sake of self-esteem, which can expose fear, anger and anxiety in (ourselves and)others. Trying to remember that the negative / different opinions are more about the writer than the reader is pretty important. Also, while there is always room for acceptance and opportuntity to keep growing in our choices, that doesn’t mean that we need to pull out our “walls” card simply because we fear or feel threatened, either. So, my best to each of us who are so easily affected by what others say. God knows we are different, yet so much the same and it is in this light we continue to truly understand the needs of others, not just ourselves, especially when it feels like our skins are so thin.

We should all keep our dark sides and dark comments to ourselves. He who is without SIN cast the first stone. So if your life is sin free and you are perfect then you should already be up there with JESUS. I feel telling the world about our SINS helps no one. Work on self, pray, find peace within yourself and stop sharing you aren’t perfect. Everybody knows human beings are sinful creatures but we all come closer to GOD by studying his word and showing yourself to live better lives.

This is not the first time something in your blog touched me personally. As a former (recovering) addict I am very conscious of the disparity involved in being clean, sober and in recovery yet still on medication. Unfortunately, I did not get fully clean and sober until after my last breakdown two years ago. I don’t consider the medication a roadblock to my recovery but rather the vehicle that makes it possible. But when in conversation with my next door neighbor, I mentioned that I take my medication daily, she said, “Do you have to take that for the rest of your life?” It struck me that as a ‘normal’ person she didn’t understand that YES I have to take it for the rest of my life. I replied, “What could happen if I don’t take it is just too bad to justify the risk.” I applaud your transparency and write this as affirmation.

After reading previously posted comments I must say……….true christians don’t judge. If you choose to find the negative in people, rest assured you will find it, the same is true for looking for beauty in other people. I have found over the years that the people throwing stones are usually the ones that feel very poorly about themselves, or are simply moving through life in ego, not spirit.

Living too much in my past and future, and not in the present, has caused me such pain that I attempted suicide twice. Everything that happened negatively in my family was my fault or responsibility. Still, through it all, I agree with Angelina. It has proved to be a great shaper of the person I am – the real person. While impressions of myself were formed by other around me and certain unfortunate circumstance, I am finally, at age 57, coming to know and appreciate who I really am and my purpose for being here. I can escape the noises that disrupted my thinking and get in touch with the holy in-dwelling spirit.
Saluations to Angelina and to all of us who have weathered the storm(s) and come back better, stronger. To God be the Glory

I can’t comment on Brad or on Brad leaving Jen because if things had been good between them noone could have come between them. That Angelina is open about her past issues in her very public life I have to comend her courage, I don’t think I could ever share some of the things she does. And no matter if she does good deeds for Jesus, Budha or herself the bottom line is the childeren she has adopted will have a much better life then they ever would have had where they were and if you needed a permit to reproduce I have not heard of it, all though I would like to yank some peoples permit!!

Victory should always be shared. Because by sharing, someone will be helped whether we know about it or not. No one has a monopoly on life. We all share like passions one way or the other, and one purpose of overcomming is to let others know they can overcome as well. True, there are some folk it would be lethal to share a “dark side” with. That is where prayer and seeking wisdom comes in at. But when victory has been attained, the world should know about it, because many in this world face spiritual captivity with feelings of hopelesness that leaves much pain. When others share how they overcome, it gives hope. I do not enjoy reading about “dark sides”, however, it blesses me tremendously to read about coming out of the dark side. We must learn to stop playing the devil’s advocate by keeping our mouths shut and putting up a phony fronts. I read in the Scriptures that “_…they overcame by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testamonies…” Personally, I would prefer not to have the conversations of those who have no victorious testamonies, and are not willing to be honest enough to seek and share victory.

I have never posted comments before but after reading this I felt compelled to share my opinion. Bravo to you for sharing your deepest and innermost thoughts. I believe your friend warned you about sharing because not everyone understands and some people can be cruel, as a rule of thumb most people keep to themselves for the exact same reason as they dont wish to be critized. However, there are people out there that understand and need to hear those messages. Those people may never comment but are healed and helped by your words and understand that they are not alone in feeling the same way. Especially with depression people tend to feel alone this Beyond Blue column helps people to understand they are not alone. Our dark side is just as important as our light side and needs to be in balance. Being open to discussion has been difficult for most people for the reasons mentioned above but no one is beyond it, we all have issues, sometimes the people that are the most critical are the ones that have not accepted that part of themselves. So my advise to you is to keep sharing, take or leave the criticism for what can be learned from and throw the rest away. It takes courage to be true to oneself and that is a lesson we all need to learn. Thank you for your example.

Well, angelina /Brad are doing good things for the adoptee’s however, I cannot understand why they have not gotton married and to give the children and the ones she is bearing the right road to travel not hearing people say well your Mom and Dad are not married and you are………. To do the right thign would be to make everything Legal.

i have bipolar and ocd,ptsd,borderline personality disorder and lupus, but i give props to who ever can gain from this world of putting past in the past and leave it there. Ihave had numerous episodes where God had to interven becouse the power of prayer is sometimes better than any thing out there and i have been through meds, sicide attempts and 5 surgeries and then i realized there is mothing but devine intervention that helps through everyday. We all have a purpose and now my best friend has been diagnosed with about the same. We are two to peas trying to make it in this world. /HElp each other every day and not forget where we have been and know we have to get through thse best we can

Congratulations! and Thank you for sharing. When you tell the truth about yourself it leaves no grey areas. It don’t matter what anyone else think as long as God knows. As you stated you ARE human.

Angelina is HUMAN,as we all are, and not afraid to say so. I respect her honesty and courage. Facing your demons is a very hard thing to do. We’re all in this together and we’ve all been through some s@*t, knowing i’m not the only one makes me feel a little better. I think sharing is part of overcoming your past and making you better in the present.

Holistic medicines are fine but there are people who need to take medicine that have been prescribed by their doctors. If it makes ones life more enjoyable and more manageable to live than they need not be concern with what the public thinks. It is more important that they have a good quality of life and if prescription drugs helps them to obtain stability then they should take them. We don’t all have the same biological systems.
People need to understand that these drugs are no different than someone who has to take insulin shots to metabolize there sugar or heart medication. Without the drug they might die. The same is so with some mental conditions. We have to stop hiding mental disorders as if they were a curse.

My philosophy on “Good Friends” is: Our good friends love us warts and all. We love them them the same way.

All I no is that if I could have a women like her .It would make me the happyest man alive but because I am such a big big looser I will never know how I could be with a women like her she is very very buitifull and allmost anyman on the planet would be very lucky to have a women like her all I can do is keep wishing dreaming is all I can ever get from a women like her everyone wants her and she knows it and I am sure that makes her life hard because she can,t choose and stick with it so I pray for women like her they deserve it because of all the things they have to go through being poular in life thats all all of us can do anyways I really do full sorry for women like her and I pray she can get past this nightmare that they all go through thanks Richard McQuarry

I have read Angela’s heartwarming moments in time. Although I have not tried to hurt myselfin that manner I felt the same in other ways. I did not realize I was depressed. My spouse was a Vietnam Veteran. He was mentally and physically ill. He was not happy about anything but his drinking buddies. He did not even enjoy his family not even his children. We were tormitted living with him for years. He has passed onbut still we fill let down in having a good life. I read on a e-mail to not look backwards but to go forward. I would not have made it through my 37 yrs. of marriage only prayers with Jesus and Angels helping me. I do believe that if the Lord wants us to be married Hhe told us so in the “BIBLE”.Remember “IT IS WRITTEN” being married is not just sacred but it is a commitment.Even though we had our up’s and downs my devotion was to beloyal to my spouse and children. I am glad we were married.Now I look not at his and my failures but our Bonding we had for each other. I will say a prayer for Angela’s decissions and for her to remember God has a plan for her. I wish her well in motherhood and life expectations.

Thank you for making so many of your personal thoughts public in order to help those of us who are also going through struggles of our own. When people criticize blog entries, etc. and say hurtful things, please try hard to let it roll over you. The Internet is a wonderful thing, but it also removes much of the courtesy that is found in face-to-face contact. People just don’t think about who is on “the other side of the monitor” when they say hurtful things. Granted, some of them might be just as miserable and mean in person lol, but many many more just don’t think of the hurt that can be caused by the written word. Bless you for your courage!

Hello Therese,
I am so touched by your column today.
About six months ago, I read another one of your columns. I was having a tough time, and, as I am doing today, I responded on your message board. I shared several intimate details of my life regarding my struggle with major depression.
Several weeks later, I did a “Google” on my business – which is online – and, lo and behold, my post to your message board showed up fifth on Google’s list. I was horrified – literally sick. Many times, between then and now, I have considered writing to you to ask you to remove my post. I’ve never asked, however, and I’m not asking now.
I’m also a professional in my community. Quite a few folks with whom I work know about my online business. For weeks, I went to work half-expecting my post to you to show up on the staff bulletin board (how’s that for a healthy shot of paranoia? In truth, I’m just not that important)!
Several people at work know about my past, for I’ve shared it with them. At times, I share snippets with our clients – but only if I think it may help them. Most of the time, I believe that what I personally experienced makes me better at what I do.
All that thinking went by the wayside in a hurry the day I saw my post to Beyond Blue show up on Google. I felt exposed, raw, and I just KNEW my business was going to go down the toilet, because ALL my online customers would google me (of course – I’m soooo special), and then they would KNOW!!! Let’s just say I had an attack of grandiosity. My business, in fact, is quite small. Teeny-tiny at this time, to be more precise.
Six months later, I’m still trying to understand my literally visceral reaction. Maybe it’s because a part of me wants so badly to be “normal”, whatever that is. Perhaps it was the old fear of being judged and found wanting by people I don’t even know. Perhaps it was the stigma of having a mental illness that I feared – yet, in the professional world, I don’t have that fear. In that world, I grab every opportunity I can to talk with clients and other staff about stigmatization of people who have mental illnesses.
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s an internet thing. On the ‘net, we can all be whoever we want to be. We can hide behind our manufactured persona and be “normal” if we wish. Or, we can do as you are doing so admirably, and share our lives and inner experiences with the world.
I recommend your web site often, Therese – to clients, staff and folks I know on online lists. Put simply, you do good work. Please keep it up. There are those of us, including me, who aren’t quite where you are in terms of sharing ourselves online. You are a beacon for us, and one heck of a Stigma-Buster! Thank you.

Therese, your column is timely. My daughter just started writing a blog for a local newspaper and I had just read Emily’s article. I immediately sent her that article as it was all about the pitfalls and pleasures of self disclosure on the web. Like family interactions where there are always relatives who will criticize you no matter what you do, there will be those who will be “hateful” with complete anonymity. The only time to re-evaluate your sharing is when the pain you get outweighs the good you do. Sometimes you’ll be strong enough to handle it and sometimes you won’t. Think of it as a ocean that waxes and wanes – and share accordingly. It’s not an all or nothing situation forever.

I love point #1 and so needed to see that distinction made for me… I will substitute ‘stranger, coworker, etc’ for reader …
I want to share that during a tough time last Fall 2007, I stumbled upon Beyond Blue and was totally amazed that someone would (finally) discuss in a ‘user-friendly’ fashion such issues. Having explored my own journey via counseling, medication (YES!!!), reading books, it was totally healing to find someone who seemed to be sharing and exploring mental health issues/experiences in such a real fashion. I think it was the “12 days of mental health” that really touched my heart… THIS GIRLFRIEND really understands!!!
Thanks for sharing… it does matter!!!
blessings terri

Wow! I admire both your courage and Angelina Jolie’s courage to maintain your public vulnerability in the face of criticism and attack, for the sake of what you believe in. In essence I think it is more our raw humanity, than our defenses against attack, that “save us” anyway. But that is something that isof course much easier to “say” in reflection on a moment, than to openly display “in the moment”. We are easily conditioned to believe that our various defenses do effectively, “hide” and “protect” us from cruelty. However, it is quite freeing when we first realize, that remaining vulnerable, in the face of criticism and cruelty, which brings all parties into “the light of day”, so to speak. And when that is done, no doubt is left, as to where the strength and the virtue lies.
Here, it is as clear to me, as the light of day, that remaining vulnerable in this way, while under attack is healing both for you, and for your readers “who have eyes to see”. Just as you have had eyes to see that in Angelina Jolie.
Best wishes!!

PS… It was Therese’s SINGING the “12 Days of Mental Health” that I loved… I can’t remember the exact name of the song… terri

I attempeted suicide,,,and to day i thank God for latting me live,,i ate 63sleeping pills(why?) because what was happening in my life at the time i couldn,t handle,,,So i chose not to perminentley.But then i got scared drove myself to the hospital explained what i did and they almost lost me. It was God who instilled the will to live in me and i did and i talked to the doctors,,i recieved counsel and today i., a 43yr ould women who knows i hav been viven a second chance at life and i became a christian and my life now canget hecktic like anyone but,,onesty and prayer go hand in hand,,,more improtantly God has taught me to love me as well as him. God being our creator i who i hav the utmost respect for I never want to hurt his feelings agian for showing such dissrespect for life ever agian.thank you and God bless you in all you do in your live. Me.

My dear, I wasted half of my life being depressed. Now I take Prozac and I feel joy and pleasure and comfort in most everything. I also function sexually, can cry and my emotional radar is intact. My spiritual life is better than ever. I am in the flow and I am not going back. 10 years user. Viva Prozac!
God bless you in your public life. Your work has meant a lot to me.
Sandra

Keep telling your story as is! You never know who is listening or reading and may need to hear they are not alone. It brings understanding.
Jeanne Borrman

I was so very touched and moved by these stories. I am a recovering cocaine addict and also suffered from depression. Once the drugs stopped so did the depression. I lived like this for so long drinking and drugging and felt suicide was the only answer but did not know why God would alow me to live on so many different occasions but realize now it was only to help others like me. I am now a Peer Staff Advisor for the Palmer Drug Abuse Program. I would loe to keep in touch with anyone whom welcomes the invite. I have to get back to work for now.
Cathleen

Truth………….Truth is a portal to freedom,a weightless soul, as GOD
would have us be.

I cannot thank you enough for the work you do; you have helped me in many ways!!!! God Bless You!

I sit here and read the words – but, they’re not hitting me where they need to – MY HEART. I feel so very lost and have no hope. I don’t know how to reconnect w the people who love me and care for me. I CAN put on a happy face for a few hours. But, the, KELLY comes back! She HAS to have a drink. She HAS to think of her losses in life. She HAS to remind hersself all of the time what a loser she has become.

I have been down that road and it wasn’t good ..Thank god I got through it and prozac DIDN”T HELP !!! I am blessed to have good friends to help me through it…

Thank you for your courage and compassion. I am a recovered alcoholic, past drug abuser, bipolar, post-traumatic stress disordered, child of the Lord. I have never felt more joy, peace, understanding, love and hope, than I do at this time in my life. I am in full time ministry and met the Truth while attending a 12step program for over fifteen years. I now read another Big Book, The holy Bible, and it has brought my life to life in a way that nothing else ever has. I thank the Lord for everything I’ve been through, and I thank the Lord for the medication I’ve been taking for over 15 years which keeps me from falling into a Chemical depression. I’ve crashed 5 times since I was 12 years old and am VERY blessed to be alive today. The Lord surely had, and has a plan for my life or I would not be here today. My story is long and it includes a great deal of darkness and a great deal of light. I may start a blog, or write a book someday, but for now I wanted to let you know that I agree..mental illness is very misunderstood in our culture today. Even the preamble to the Big Book of alcoholic anonymous says that depressives may be the least understood of all and that there are many. I am a prayer warrior today and one of the things I pray for is peace and understanding between so called normal people, and those of us that suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders. The Lord is still using me today, regardless of my past or my illnesses. In fact, I am more submitted to my Savior than ever in my life. I have learned that what other people think of me, is none of my business. what I think of myself, and what the Lord thinks of me..is another story and I tenth step (take a personal inventory) every night while I pray and meditate to my Master. My cap keys only work on very few letters, so I can’t type the name of my Savior or even my favorite three letter word (jesus and god) because I don’t like to type them in lower case. But they are the most important thing in my life, The way, the Truth and the Life. The word (w won’t cap..sigh) and love.. for god is Love.. (1john 4-6,8) capital g-od loves you and so do I, may he bless you and have his peace upon you this day, and every day of your life, in jesus’ name. amen.

It seems that the twelve steppers are a small part of the world population, but are every where in the world. We seem to carry our love, experience, strengh and hope like a cross that seems to effect those seeking a solution to their problem. Thank God that I am one of the chosen ones to carry the message.

kelly, I just had to tell you that i said the same exact words you typed over 15 years ago, and it was my truth at the time. I want you to know that it doesn’t have to be true any more. If you haven’t attended an aa meeting or obtained a seasoned sponsor, please do so. alcoholism kills people all the time and the unlucky ones are the ones who don’t die. Recovery is very hard to do on your own, if at all possible. I hope you’ve found some help by now, but if not, please contact me at cathiloveinlife@yahoo.com. Life can get better. Life will get better. hang in and hang on. don’t give up five minutes before the miracle. i was drinking a 750ml of vodka and a twelve pack just for Maintenance each day and so ashamed of that and Many other things that I was doing as a result of my disease. The steps work, if you work them and it’s MUCh easier to work them with someone who has already had success with them. I hope you’ll contact me or someone in your local area aa. They will pick you up and take you to meetings (if they have any decent recovery of their own- the twelth step requires that they do so and they can only stay sober if they help others to recover) others who read this, please don’t inundate my email box, I am trusting it to kelly because i feel her pain and feel led by my Lord to reach out to her. If you feel you need to email me about something, that’s fine,but I’m not giving it out to get a bunch of slam or hate mail. I love love and the only thing I truly hate today…is hate. Read my Space at http www myspace.com/anita_blunnte or search under Cathi Robertson. You’ll know it’s my space when you find it because my love for the Saviour is all over the place. Peace and carrots, Cathi

I am sorry I spelled Angelina’s name incorrectly on my Blog. I am writing again to tell you about this wonderful Book I’m reading. The name of it is The COURAGE to be YOURSELF by Sue Patton Thoele. She has written several other books. I bought mine at Nobles and Barnes. The Library may order these books if you ask them. Good luck and may GOD BLESS.

Hi Dear Family of Truth Speakers
Thank You ALL for Showing up and Shining your Love Lights on all sorts of darkness. I thank you for your courage and honesty. In as much I Thank Angelina Jolie for stepping on to The Stage of LIFE for All to SEE how Honest LIGHT Heals. Through the grace of our creator and the 12 steps, I am alive today. I am eternally grateful to have come to remember… that I am a child of the Light.
God Bless All
Connection Medicine Woman

I LIKE THE ARTICLE ABOUT ANGELINA JOLIE (DARK SIDE)THERE ARE A LOT OF ACTOR AND FROFESSIONAL PEOPLE WHO HAS A DARK SIDE AND WISH TO HIDE IT. I’M THE TYPE PERSON WHO WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT MY DARK SIDE, BUT MOST OF THE NEW PEOPLE IN MY LIKE

Thank you for writing this article. I am always glad to see when someone overcomes difficulties and shares honestly with others. I have always been encouraged by your blog and back in December I started my own blog.
It is http://theladyoflight.blogspot.com. It is primarily bible verses and thoughts of encouragement. I believe that God takes our experiences and gives us the opportunity to reach out to others as you continue to do. I encourage you and your readers to take a peek at my blog – it’s short, and I don’t always write every day, but I think you will find it worthwhile. The word of God has been very powerful in changing me and helping me to overcome many difficulties in life.
I like the fact that Angelina is honest and forthright about her experiences and am glad that she encouraged you to keep on with your writing. If you believe in what you are doing, and I know you can see it has helped others, don’t worry about those who disagree. People are different just as God has made every snowflake different!
God bless you!
Lady of Light

I think reflecting on your past and all the negatives as well as the positives keeps you focused on where you are now. Everyone has a dark side. The ones who have opened up about the dark side of their lives are the ones who are grounded and has promote the healing to begin in their lives. It’s like having a nasty white head in the middle of your forehead. It won’t heal unless you let all the nasty posion out. The dark side of our lives is the poison that needs to be released so the psychological healing can begin. Reflecting on my dark side has made me stronger. The pain of what I’ve endured no matter how painful gives me the outlet to stay focused on who I am as a human being now. Thank you Angelina for sharing with us your pain and reminding us that as human beings we are not perfect. You Go Angelina Jolie.

*******GOD BLESS US ALL*******

Somehow I see myself when I die being evaluated before God or his panel of Angels, naked before them emotionally and physically, having to account for all the good and bad about myself. God has already forgiven me while I am here on earth for my sins and shortcomings. In heaven, the confessions will be to see if I have learned anything while here, and then shed the old skin and take on the new Heavenly cloak. Not for purpose of being ridiculed. Don’t forget, we are all of Adam and Eve, we are all sinners trying to do the best with what we were given. It’s great if we choose to share our dark side with others if the purpose is to help them get through their hard times. I did say the word choose, didn’t I? I don’t think anyone should be forced to share things they are not ready to share about themselves, and at the very worst have their privacy invaded and exposed by judgemental, attacking people who want to raise their own level of living by dishonoring you or humiliating you. I don’t believe in change by humiliation. Coming to terms with our dark sides is a personal matter between us and God (or our psychologists if we choose). There are many ways to help others from our past experiences both good and bad. While I applaud those who can and choose to share their dark sides and who have moved on, it is not necesssary to do so to move forward. Be cautious, there are many out there, unfortunately, who will devour you and try to destroy you with that information. It takes tremendous courage to confess and then endure the feedback you will get for the rest of your life. I choose to be selective. I abhor people who invade my privacy and try to tear me apart. They’re not the ones who are going to put you back together. It’s best between you and God. Take the love from that forgiveness from Him and use it to help others.

I don’t think Angelina Joli has given the solution to those who do drugs and do other ways to hurt themselves. The ones who make a difference in peoples lives are the ones who personally touch someones life by their experiences by making real connections with them each day supporting them through the process in the trenches, hands on, holding their hand through it. It is scary and hard and she (angelina jolie) is untouchable for most. If she was out there helping addicts or self abusers everyday and making a difference in the lives of others.. for real then I would appreciate her even talking about it. I think that those who truly give their lives to the Lord and attribute the life changes to God are those who are sharing the solution. Not those who have made themselves an Idol on the screen and don’t mention God in that process. “All things are poosible through Him”.

What I have learned is that when you are unwell, you go to the doctor. Once you are well enough to become a doctor, then you give medical advice. Most anything in between is just gossip whether it’s about yourself or someone else. (Quote from 10 Tips for Kinder Speech By Judy Gruen, 7. Don’t Badmouth Yourself, Either. “Jewish wisdom teaches that in addition to not slandering others, we must not slander ourselves either”.) Angelina is a celebrity that we all love because she’s beautiful, rich and famous. Not because she’s a middle to lower class woman that overcame her issues and now she wants to help us. She has the means to be whoever and whatever she wants to be.

Hi! I totally agree with your philosophy, and have lived it for about twenty years now. I suffered from major depression WITHOUT medication for the first ten years………every day the tears and sadness would start the moment my eyes popped open at 3 in the morning………to lie there for another 3 hours filled with unrelenting pain filled obsessive thoughts about my spouse, my marriage, the lacks I saw in it…….etc…….I shared with EVERYONE when I finally began to receive treatment by taking Trazadone, then, Prozac, then Effexor…….now, I HAPPILY share with them my further transformation as I have been able to begin cutting back on the meds and hopefully, by the end of this year, I will be off them completely……I have been divorced from my ex for ten years now and my journey has been one filled with ouchies of all kinds. But, it has taught me the depth of MYSELF and how very STRONG and WISE I am. I have adopted the attitude of Don Juan, who said in one of Carlos Castanadas books: “follow your heart”
Peace and joy to all,
Terri

angelina….. you inspire me,with your efforts and long range reach into a world yo turn a bright light on , may our lord and savior JESUS bless you and your family and may you know your greatest richwes are stored in heaven and in the wealth of the charity and compassion you have for other human beings.thank you angelina may you know eternal peace at the throne of OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN HEAVEN. your life your struggles it takes strenth and courage to be bold thier are so many youthful women in our american society that could use your encouragement hope exspierience, when stars fall they get up and then like all men with compassion help others truly inspirational…….thank you in jesus name…….

Thank you Angelina Jolie for sharing your story about your life of what you experience. Depression is a struggle and too me people don’t know if they have it or not without any treatment that is needed.Without your medication you can get worst.I started to get off my meds but I could’nt and I missed days of it but now I’m on the right track.I appreciate your article because sharing it will touch people lives.

Angelina Jolie is just another piece of the puzzle. I believe it is a good thing when high profile and famous people “Pull their covers” and reveal that they’re only human too! Many people envy someone like her and think she’s got it made! I myself find it oddly comforting to know that the struggle for peace of mind is universal.

I’m always glad when stars, who shine so brightly, share the truth that they’re only human. I applaud Angela Jolie for her stand in helping people, and the truth the tells about her struggles.
That shows everyone there’s hope for us all.

How brave of you to come clean about your use of meds. I WAS AN ADDICT AND ALCOHOLIC FOR MANY YEARS.EARLY ON I USED MEDS BUT TODAY I REFUSE.I AM POSITIVE AND TAKE ENOUGH MEDICINE AS IT IS. I RELY ON FAITH AND THE STRENGHT OF THE LORD.BUT I DO STRUGGLE AND FIGHT MY FEARS. AGAIN YOU ARE VERY COURAGEOUS.
GOD LOVES YOU AS YOU ARE.THANK YOU FOR SHARING IS VERY INSPIRATIONAL AND ENCOURAGING.

I learn so much from your honesty and comfort with yourself and your journey. As long as you can, keep writing and showing us in your videos how you are such a survivor. You are an inspiration to me as I learn more about bipolar disorder and how to better manage and balance my life and health.
Charge on!
Catherine Brooks of Virginia

I fought life for years wondering why it was so hard for me and easy for other people.Then I started going to a Doctor who recognized my bi-polar illness and he percribed medication that changed my life and also the people around me.We had to change and experiment with other meds until we got it right and I thank GOD everyday for that DR.I donot have the “typical bi-polar” illness,mine has more irritability than the usual ups and downs.Mental illness makes you feel more vulnerable.God bless people like Angelina Jolie for revealing “inperfections” in an otherwise perfect looking being.

I know the best thins in life,are Free.And when we accepet our wrong doings,only then we know our trueself.
Am happy she can come clean with the truth and may God bless her good will and continue to grant her his grace and mercy on her jurny for a beter future for our young generation.
Thank you for shearing your story, and i hope other movie stars can also learn from ur story. For me u are Role Model.
God Bless u and keep up the good works

Listen; Angie collects kids like souvenirs to make up for her dad’s neglect and then leaves their care to an army of nannies. Her schedule is her own and she could request less work and travel if she really wanted time to be a mother to her international collection of poster kids. Why Brad felt the need to be responsible for a mental patient and the little lives that will ultimately be left broken and scarred by this traveling circus, for however long it lasts, is indeed a mystery, but it’s his mystery… who cares? It was once said about Frank Sinatra’s schoolboy fascination with Ava Gardner “he never met a nymphomaniac he didn’t like”… Such women are made of neglect, low esteem and other similar ingredients and become quite tiresome after getting over the infatuation and wild lust… even more than other things in life; this won’t last forever.

thanks