The People Behind My Eyes

Disorders Don’t Take a Holiday
Sunday, December 24, 2006-2:30PM EST

Absolutely everything in life continues as it will no matter what event is planned to pause and be grateful or pause and exchange spiritual encouragement or material goods. Cancer doesn’t stop for Christmas, eating disorders don’t stop for Kwanzaa, Lupus does not stop for Easter and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome doesn’t stop for the Sukkah, Eid-Al-Adha, Vesak or Parsi. Life with all its joys and sorrows will continue no matter what day of the month and year it is. If one could turn issues off and on at will the word disorder would not follow the name given to their ailment. It would be called such-and-such order but it’s not.

It seems there are many people right now struggling with the holiday that is coming up. I will have everyone in mind these next few days because I know its going to be hard to deal with issues and family or to deal with family members who have issues or an illness. So this is what I have to say to you all: please remember that if for one special day your loved one could drop everything and give you the memory you need for this holiday they would. They’d do it in a heartbeat. Please be patient; please know that disorders work on their own schedule and not according to man’s calendar year. For those living with a disorder, remember two things 1) issues are stronger during this time. You must be aware of your triggers and take care to remember your coping skills. The second thing to remember is - don’t make this day about your disorder. Give what you are able to give emotionally but remember this day isn’t about you but about your family and loved ones. No, life does not stop because of a holiday but take care not to focus soley on yourself.

Please be patient yourself and with one another.
Your sister survivor,

Austin of Sundrip Journals