Self Care

Hi Everyone, I'm really excited to see this forum getting off the ground and looking forward to "meeting" other people that are in the same zone as me.

After my last (3rd) breakdown I finally sought help and started listening to the advice I'd always given other people. I was working in disability and spent my days telling people to take time out for themselves but never took my own advice. Since my breakdown and subsequent diagnosis of bipolar I actually started practising what I preach. Ok I'm still my own worst enemy but I've learned to put my hand up and say no and back away. I'm a single mum, have older kids with disabilities and have recently started working fulltime again. The last 6 weeks have been shall we say interesting as my household adjusts.

Anyway I'm curious as to how other people look after their own wellbeing. Funnily enough one of my biggies is going to the pub. I know people tend to shrink back and scream self medicating, bad environment but it's not about alcohol. I started going 3 years ago after there was a call for volunteers to sell tickets fundraising for leaukemia. SInce then we've also raised $7,000 each for Beyond Blue and Black Dog.... for me it's about being somewhere and doing something. I've found a bunch of people who are just simply the best and when I've had a bad day they are there for me. Other than that I stick on my headphones to chill and my treat (now resinstated now I work fulltime!!!!) if going to a hair salon to be pampered.

Sometimes it's the tiny things. What do other people do?