For the last year and a half, I have been facing a silent and debilitating experience with mental illness as well as other health diagnoses that recently escalated my condition and its severity.
I want to deeply apologize for my words and actions that took place earlier this month. For the first time ever, I have accepted that I am completely powerless over this condition and have accepted the medical help and professional intervention that is needed to establish mental and physical stability for myself and my family.
For the last several weeks, I have been working with several doctors to try to piece together what happened and why, and I have learned there are several serious underlying conditions that were untreated and triggered an episode due to extreme stress by the pandemic and everything else going on. I really can’t express how scary the whole situation was and how out-of-control I felt and I wanted to share this so people know they are not alone in facing mental illness.
The past few months have been extraordinarily difficult for everyone and it has been heartbreaking to witness what’s been happening in the world around us. For me, it was just too much for someone of my condition to bear.
I will be entering an intensive treatment program to address these health concerns from a mental, physical and spiritual level. I am deeply committed to repairing my marriage, family and personal and professional relationships and pursuing treatment is the first step.
I would like to thank those that have reached out and stood by me during what has certainly been the most difficult and dark few weeks of my life. Thank you for seeing me, seeing my heart, and knowing this diagnosis does not define who I am.
At this time, our family would like to request privacy while we address this serious health issue. In time, I hope to return and share my story for others facing mental health issues. I am limitlessly grateful to my husband who had the courage to stand for my life and is my rock in all of this.
Most of all, I wanted to reiterate how deeply sorry I am to those that were hurt by what happened. The stigma associated with mental illness is tragic, but it is not the end. I look forward to returning stronger as a friend to others struggling with mental illness.
I wish I would have had the courage to accept and address this health condition before this crisis occurred. For those my actions directly impacted, I am truly sorry for breaking your trust and flat out letting you down. Nothing gave me more pride and honor than the opportunity to represent my community and work in the professional realm that I did, I will regret those choices and the impact they had on my family, clients and friends for the rest of my life.
Thank you for respecting our privacy during this challenging time.
With love and hope for healing,
Melissa Rein Lively
Founder & CEO
The Brand Consortium Public Relations