Day 107 — Telling My Story

I love the way you phrased, “I hope that I can be a guiding light on his journey. I can’t walk it for him, but hopefully I can be there to help.” From its Latin root, the word, “compassion” literally means co-suffering. It can be so difficult to see our loved ones going through a difficult journey, especially knowing that we can’t take the burden for them. But, we can walk WITH them. We can offer support and encouragement, and we can affirm that they are LOVED, they have VALUE, and they are NOT ALONE. Even if the road ahead may yet be rocky and treacherous at times, I am glad that your brother has a sister like you to offer compassion and support. I am so grateful for your videos, and for this wonderful community. It helps me to know that I am not alone. Thank you!!

Jennifer Henry

Jessica—Thank you for all you do. To help other families learn from you experiences. To shorten the route from where they are, to happy and healthy relationships with themselves and others. I have a 2e son. Gifted, ADHD, High Functioning Autism, Depresson and Anxiety. Paying attention to his issues has made me realize that not only does my husband have undiagnosed ADHD (its pretty obvious) but I do to. Your YouTube channel has confirms that for me. Now I’m working on how to best manage mine. Thank you for this video specifically, which reinforces that I need to pay more attention to my daughter, who is dealing with her brother’s suicide ideation. And who, given the odds, probably has some degree of ADHD herself. <3 you. For all of who you are. For helping all of us. You’ll be great!

Angela Gildner

Thank you for being open to being vulnerable with us. It’s really useful as a model for unpacking our own problems and pasts. You got this!

Alexie Staffer

Jessica, your calling is so large. You have so much of value to share. Within the boundaries of what is comfortable I would love to hear your story. To be able to offer support to you and your brother if appropriate. I respect honesty and genuineness above all else and wish for you and your brother the opportunity to heal your relationship. You are brave to share yourself with us and I hope you continue to feel love and support from this community. You are not alone. 😘

This video brought up a lot for me. I empathize with you. I put off getting help for until I was 40, because I was diagnosised with Oppositional Disorder Diffient Disorder when I was in middle school. Now that has been revised to ADHD+ASD last year. High functioning autism was not even a diagnosis when I was a kid. The ODD diagnosis gave my parents cover to do some pretty horrible things to me and my mother still thinks that I am just ODD to this day when I don't want to do as she says despite not living with her for over 24 years. As you know the issue is awareness. You are a fabulous speaker and doing very good work for the community! Keep it up! #wordsofwisdom You need to put your oxygen mask on before helping others because if you are dead there will be nobody around to help the other! The enemy is the stigma of mental illness.

Outdoorsy

I totally get where you are coming from there Jess. My brother and father both are autistic (though father was only diagnosed a few years back), my sister was anorexic. Living with people whose troubles seemed so so much more important and concerning was why I hid my troubles so much and for so long in my mid-teens. My father for example suffers a lot with additional mental health issues and before his diagnosis and acceptance of autism could become very volatile and violent, my brother was bullied relentlessly etc. It was only after I was in ICU for a while that I realised, yes, my family members had troubles but that did not mean mine were unimportant and should not be validated or helped. Like others have said above me, when you speak passionately you do get the right point across and it means more. So, do that, record it before and transcribe and edit it. That way you avoid the dreaded ADHD rambling on to something inappropriate. We all believe in you and that's not meant to add pressure, it's meant to assure you that you are incredibly capable of doing that panel and completely smashing it. (Speed wrote this as I am on my way out the door so apologies for any mistakes ;) )

Josh Giles

You are by far the perfect example of persistence. You rose from the asses of a bottomless pit of disparity to become the voice for the voiceless groups of people with special conditions. You have become a roll model for people that give people hope. You may trip and fall but you are real and like everyone else that is what makes all of us special. This was a hard video to listen to while at work and not tear up. Do not worry, your hard work is paying off and you will do fine.

Taking care of your needs makes you more able to help others (which you do daily) and makes you an amazing role model for your brother. The biggest hugs ever to you, your brother, and your mom!

Lisa Williams

Didn’t finish there was way more, ADD lol. Meds are off maybe tomorrow. keep up the great work your smile and energy will make the talk

Wow can’t believe how similar your story is to mine, age,

Wow you truly are inspirational, don’t be sorry for looking after yourself. I have Autism and have been suicidal and was undiagnosed until 23 so my parents thought it was ‘bad’ behaviour and so did schools etc so I get it with your brother, he will find light in this world and you will do brilliant in your talk on the panel :)

Beckibuzz