As I sit here I realize I am in total awe with the amount of amazing people I have met and worked with during this fundraiser. As I have been leading up the organization of the benefit I have come into contact with many wonderful people. I am inspired, especially for those that purchased 50 youth sponsorships to ensure that our teens are at this event learning about mental illness and will no doubt be inspired by their peers and what life has to offer.
The Bipolar Babe Project is about educating our youth, the next generation that will live without shame because they experience mental distress as they are part of a large movement that spells open communication and acceptance about mental illness. Being frank and care free about having a mental illness is quite empowering and many of us desire to share that way of being with others, so they feel at ease with themselves and realize it is not such a curse at times.
At our benefit we have eight artists that are gifted with great talent and we all know that really there is somehow a connection between art and mental ‘illness’. I told my nephew about this component of the show and he said ‘Auntie, aren’t all artists somewhat mentally ill anyway?’ I then realized how silly it is to say it is an illness…then I remember my mother who is catatonic at times and unable to be released from the hospital because she can’t care for herself. Then I think ‘It is an illness and quite terrible at times.’
At the Babe project we do not want one person to suffer in silence ever again for all of our voices ought to be heard, especially when we need help. It is a strong act to reach for help and to give it. We will lead you on your way in the community and together we weave a security net that will catch you when you fall. Stigma will cease to exist and eventually during the discussion of mental illness we will say ‘Stigma? What does that mean?’
Much love,
Andrea AKA Bipolar Babe
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Hi Andrea!
Bravo!, You are so wonderful to be creating this much needed project! It’s so important that society understands Bipolar of which so many people face. Until I started dating a person who also has the disorder, I had no idea how stigmatized it was. I personally didn’t have the negative feelings that some do and have been shocked at the way he is actually vulnerable in many situations because of the stigma. I look forward to hearing more about the Babe project in the future. Do you have a support group? Is there a particular way one might get involved? Thanks!
Peace,
Sherry
Hi Andrea:
Your blog is amazing – it is so wonderful what you are doing, my friend. No words can describe how grateful I am to for your amazing contribution to this cause – for ” normalizing” bi-polar illness. Taking it out of the scary closet – educating, informing, creating dialogue. bringing much needed awareness. And for the plight of young people – their teachers, their parents, their peers. I just read about 19 year old Ben Schwartzman and it broke my heart. I listened to his song – Which way to Harlem -such talent – and I ache for his soul that was so torchured that he ended his life. Perhaps it reminds me of me – I too was only 19 years old when I made my first suicide attempt and diagnosed bi-polar. I am one of the lucky ones – I’m still here. Ben is not. God bless his soul. And there are so many others just like Ben who are suffering right this minute as I write this. Thank you, dear Andrea, for giving hope and solace to so many. Love, June