ElluSenior Contributor
Valuing Yourself
I have had bi-polar disorder since I was 15 (I am 63 now) and I have done it all - medications, ECT, hospitalizations, psychotherapy. Recently I started seeing a psychoanalyst. It is early days yet, but he is helping me to come to terms with my past and sort out my thoughts and feelings as a person, not a victim. I found this really useful, and you might like to do it too.
Sit down with a piece of paper and pencil (or computer) and write down a list of all the good things about yourself. If you are depressed you might think there aren't any, but think carefully. Are you honest? Loyal to friends? Loving with your family? Good at art or writing? What are some of the nice things people have said about you in the past? We all know our weaknesses, we experience those when we are ill, but what about our strengths? Try to build up a picture of the real you - the worthwhile, valuable member of society you are. Whatever you might be going through right now in terms of illness there is a You in there who deserves respect and love. Even if you don't feel up to sharing your thoughts, do this for yourself. Leave the piece of paper somewhere safe to pull out when you are feeling down. We are more than our illnesses. They are only part of who we are. We are all valued and worthwhile members of society so let's acknowledge each other and support each other.
Ellu
