Mental illness is like being in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson. There is nowhere to hide and often the opponent seems impossible to defeat. If anyone that has suffered with or is close to someone that suffers through can attest to, 'Mental illness cannot be defeated' which is why I make the comparison to being in the ring with Mike Tyson. What you can do is fight back and vow to 'go down swinging ducking and weaving' until the bell goes at the each of end round. Each round will present new challenges. This story is my story of how my life has been often controlled and governed by mental illness. I'm not a sporting hero, nor a movie star, but I have the most important job in the world I'm a husband a father and a teacher. Trying to manage his circumstances as best I can. I hope that by reading this, even if you have never suffered mental illness you will have an insight into the mindset and decision making of someone that has. Mental illness is not a disease it's a gift of 'mental aptitude' to have the ability to think deeper thoughts and feel emotions more deeply than the average human. Harnessing this gift is the challenge. A challenge that we must not neglect. To continue the journey follow the author's Blog @ hbascontinued.com