“With A Little Help From My Friends”

This could be subtitled “Relationships and Mental Illness Part 2”

I know I am not the only one who will miss Joe Cocker. His distinctive voice and style were part of my generation.

I liked the Beatles’ original version of “Friends”, with Ringo singing lead. But it is Cocker’s rendition that has stuck with me all my life and become in many ways a theme song. Paul McCartney said yesterday of Cocker’s version, “It totally turned the song into a soul anthem and I was forever grateful to him for doing that.”

Mental illness can make you feel very much alone. It isn’t something you want to talk about with everyone as you are always worried about people’s reactions. But when you find those few people who you can put your full faith and trust in, they can be some of the best medicine you could have.

I now have a circle of friends (from my past and my current life) who know about my mental issues and not only accept me for who I am but they give me love, support, prayer and anything else I need. They would never “stand up and walk out on me”.

I have a dear friend who just knows what I need, whether it be a bag of her awesome wontons, a quick tea out, or just someone to listen. We are there for each other and I am so grateful for having her in my life. She isn’t afraid to tell me the truth and I love her for that.

Another friend, who I don’t see or talk to as much as I would like, also meets for tea once in awhile and has helped to not only get me back to crafting, but by doing projects together for others, she has helped me with my procrastination and “I can’t do this” challenges.

I have a long-time friend who also suffers from bipolar. We can be real and relaxed with each other.

I have a life coach who is also a great friend. She gets me and has helped me to find out who I really am and to not be afraid to show it. She is a very important part of my life.

There are so many others who may not understand what I go through with chronic pain and mental illness, but they get me and my different abilities. These days the pain is what I have to deal with most but it (and stresses of life) can prompt the depression. My friends are there to drive me somewhere, get me out of the house, talk on the phone or even just on the internet.

And of course there is the greatest friend of all, my wonderful hubby. While he hasn’t always understood what goes on with me, he has stuck it out and knows better than me sometimes what I do or don’t need. He is the reason I am so much stronger than the mental illness and able to cope with the horrific pain. Another Cocker song that hubby dedicates to me is “You Are So Beautiful” – he makes me beautiful.

And yes, I can’t forget the friend I have in Jesus. He never cares if you sing out of key or are not perfect. He is always there, even when I am angry at Him or too sick to pray and go to church.

So to Joe Cocker, thanks for giving ME an anthem, and for all your other songs as well. May you rest in peace.