Kingdom of Bed

recoverydust

http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/blog/hard-to-tell-people-take-medication-for-depression

again someone else's words, but resonates too


Taken from In my experience, you shouldn't expect too much of people when it comes to telling them about your mental health. That's not to say we should all be cynical but I think if there's one thing I have learned it's that we should never undervalue the constant support networks in our lives.

I'm lucky for the most part, I have a partner who goes above and beyond when it comes to supporting me and he loves me at my very worst; having seen me in some really low periods. I was originally diagnosed with Severe Clinical Depression in 2007, though I had been feeling 'not right' for years before that.

A counsellor at University had urged me to see a GP and only then did I get my diagnosis. I've since also been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and the two illnesses often feel overwhelming. Telling my partner wasn't a huge deal at the time, we hadn't been together long and I would rather him have left me early on if he couldn't cope. Instead, he stood by my side and has been there ever since.

I've heard all the cliches...

Unfortunately, this hasn't been something that extends beyond my partner and immediate family. I've heard all the cliches: that I just need some sleep, I need to snap out of it, stop taking life so seriously, stop being paranoid.

The thing I found hardest to explain to people was how my moods couldn't be changed by thought alone. It wasn't that I didn't want to feel happy. I couldn’t feel happy. Friends eventually stopped inviting me out, stopped replying to messages and drifting out of my life. New friends I make along the way invariably drift off too, usually after the first time they see how low I can get during a particularly bad relapse. I don't blame them for it, but it certainly makes it much harder to speak freely about my health when new people arrive in my life.

it's still initially hard to have that talk and tell them I take medication for a mental illness

Every new person I speak to brings a new perspective to things and I welcome fresh outlooks but it's still initially hard to have that talk and tell them I take medication for a mental illness and have regular therapy.

I don't want this to be a negative take on telling those you care about that you are suffering or have suffered. I admire those that are able to talk about their diagnosis without flinching and it's what I have come to aspire to.

My parents and my partner have been constantly supportive and never impatient

Given that I've suffered with spells of depression for almost 10 years now it can be extremely difficult to see a brighter future but I won't give up. Why? Because of this immediate support network I have. My parents and my partner have been constantly supportive and never impatient.

If you have someone in your life that laughs and cries with you, that doesn't hesitate to grab your hand and guide you into the light when it feels too dark, treasure them. Cherish them. Find strength in their love because I know just how powerful it can be in battling depression.

recoverydust

http://www.reportingonhealth.org/2012/08/23/dont-be-embarrassed-just-be-their-eyes

Intereting reading and good allegory by my friend Yvonne la Rose
Xxxx

recoverydust

Been busy busy, mainly with y new best friend, the brother sewing machine DH bought me in February. I eventually summoned up the courage to thread it up and use it. So we both have re purposes fleece trousers ready for the Scottish winter. Take that Scottish hydro!

letter to this address from scottish hydrodemanding money from the council.... Very confusing, we pay the bills and we are in credit. Calmly they were both shut today!

No letter from ESA and trying to keep busy do I don't stress.

In the morning I am running a workshop " Patchwork and Recovery" at a creative facilitation day for mental health educators here. Quite excited. My friend A is coming up for it too.

DH has been occupied all day with boy things - sweeping the flat roof gulley... (stinky job), fixing coat hooks (tall job) and hoovering (strong job)

We both benefited from Bowen therapy from Fiona who stayed the weekend. DH feels much better in the legs and my hips are not so painful

Had to eat I to savings for DH driving lessons, but now he is that much closer to his test.

All in all a good day sorting out stuff

Xxx
Dusty

beanielou

Glad twas a good day.
Enjoy today!

recoverydust

http://diaryofabenefitscrounger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/what-dla-has-meant-to-me.html?spref=fb

another excellent piece by sue xx

Rainbow_Bridge

Thanks recoverydust for your very interesting posts. Sue sums the situation up brilliantly.

I admire your strength in taking on Edinburgh City Council and winning, you're a force to be reckoned with x.

recoverydust

Rainbow_Bridge wrote: »

Thanks recoverydust for your very interesting posts. Sue sums the situation up brilliantly.

I admire your strength in taking on Edinburgh City Council and winning, you're a force to be reckoned with x.

Thank you rainbow for that, I am sometimes a force to be reckoned with and other times I am a depressive, negative wimp. Still i cant have everything

I love sue's blog, shes very honest and astute too

xxx