Thanks Sandy,
Yes I have to say, a big part of my recovery is based around doing service and giving back to people, it really helps me.
I mentioned the physical impairment side as I think mental health is similar, people a lot of the time simply do not know how to react, so they hide from it. I think there are a lot more efforts around both, but yes I think teaching children from an early age would make a dig difference. Little things such as mindfulness, awareness, allowing them to listen to and talk with people that have impairments so they understand we are actually all the same - human beings - with our own sets of challenges.
I’d even include the parents, as that is unfortunately where a lot of work can be undone. But it may help grow a little empathy and as you say, compassion. Rather than sympathy and judgement.
Being a dad of 2 daughters, aged 23 and 18, it seems that there is a big focus at the moment around LGBT+ communities, pronouns as my younger always reminds me, are a big focus.
Trying to remember which of her friends identify as what (he/him, she/her, them/they etc.,). The list of terms that sexual attraction, behavior, and orientation is growing.
I have no issues with this, I do think as a youngster it would be quite confusing (at least half the terms used now I have no idea what they actually mean, which may be ignorance on my part).
If youngsters are not taught self awareness, how do they have any idea what they are when there are so many options? Most of which, their own parents might have never heard of, let alone able to explain what they actually mean.
Sorry if it seems I have gone off on a tangent, just something I think absolutely supports your point around what I would call Life Education (Physical, Mental and Sexual Health) for youngsters and parents too.
Thats so nice to read!!!
It sounds like you have been on quite a journey, really pleased you’ve been supported through it all.
I think this is such an important point to make! Dealing with any impairment (be it physical or mental) and the symptoms of it is of course a huge challenge. I think what is often missed though is how we come to terms with them, the way it changes our view on ourselves and in many cases, how we torture ourselves for our conditions (which of course we have no choice or control over!).
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing, and can relate entirely to what you have posted, albeit in relation to different conditions.
And thank you 
for writing something lovely
I agree with you on everything you mentioned, and want to thank you for your input here on this thread.
I, too, have a daughter who is 16, and being raised in the same culture where sexual orientation is chosen, and sexual diversity is so common and accepted, moreso than when I was her age. Its a shame so much attention is focused on gender identity and not on things like inclusion, tolerance, respect and acceptance of ALL individuals in general, no matter how we look on the outside, how we act, or what our given or chosen gender is. We are ALL humans trying to live the best we know how, and to express ourselves to the rest of humanity in a way that doesn’t offend anyone, yet which also affords each of us to be unique and faithful to our own morality and beliefs. We all want some form of genuineness among each other, yet seem to cringe when another’s transparency reveals something that isn’t in line with our own ideas or morality, and so, we hate what we do not understand instead. This is sad.
I think the stigma of mental illness is beginning to change a little nowadays, but I fear that we won’t truly realize the benefits of our work in raising awareness and education until the majority of our population suffer from the very thing we fear. We are pretty much there now. Until everyone is affected by mental illness either directly or indirectly, and it touches their own life in some significant way, true empathy and understanding will not be reached it seems.
Hello again, and you are very welcome! I am passionate about this subject, and I also suffer from physical disabilities which wear on me daily. I constantly remind myself that I should be grateful because my conditions will only worsen with age unless a cure is found!
Its amazing how strong we can be when we are faced with mental and physical challenges that slow us down from the rest of society’s pace. Its the mentally ill individuals, though, who have exceeded the expectations of others in The Arts and done some of the most benevolent deeds with the population. Most artists I like have been mentally ill on some level, like Edgar Allen Poe, Picasso, and actors like the late Robin Williams and singer Karen Carpenter. It seems we can feel more intensely than others, so much that our passion leaks out of our being into every aspect of our lives. This includes its expression through the arts, compassion for others, relationships, and sex.