I am dual diagnosed. Since my childhood, I have lived with epilepsy and mental illness. I see specialists for both and take maintenance prescriptions for both as well. The stigma for both out there in society is pretty thick, so as much as possible, if someone doesn’t ask me about my dual diagnosis, I don’t talk about it. A social worker once asked me which condition was more disabling. I couldn’t begin to answer him. The question just didn’t make any sense to me and it still doesn’t. The two are so entwined. As a result of the conditions, I live a very structured, regimented life with a large amount of routine built into it. I am not at all spontaneous. I speak with a delayed, flat, monotone voice and my face shows little effect. I draw on my discipline to stay mentally focused and I try my best to stay focused on the positive, no matter how I feel. This can be exhausting. I share this with you because I am tired of mentally ill people being treated as invisible shadows. I have been given the gift of writing and the platform for sharing it. Remember this, our pain and suffering may be real, but so is the authenticity of our souls. Mental illness’s pall may mask our vision, but where there is life there is hope.