aftermath of silly season

Dear Mohill,

Yes it is ironic how our health care professionals all disappear on holidays just at the time of year stresses are worst and we need help most. 16/1 seems such a long way away. I think you have to break it down into parts and live each day (or even every half day) as it comes. Don't even bother to try to lead a "normal" life. You are ill, and you need to concentrate on getting through your illness as it comes. I am sure you have developed some coping strategies which work for you (and not drugs and alcohol either!)

I have bi-polar disorder, and when I have been very depressed I have found it useful to make a list of things I (usually) enjoy and try to navigate my way through the day that way. For example have a hot shower, go and have a coffee, look at pictures in art books, call a friend (if you are up to it). If you can break up the day into manageable chunks then it doesnt seem so endless and unforgiving.

At the moment you have to go into survival mode. Do you ave a good relationship with your psychiatrist? I am sure he/she will pick up on the condition you are in and take steps to put things on an even keel. In the moment try (I know it is hard) distracting yourself. What I found useful last time I was in hospital was children's colouring books. By focussing on the colouring you distract yourself from the thoughts running around in your head and enter an almost meditative state.

I know what you mean by illness segregating us here, but regardless of why we have a supportive, caring network of people such as yourself who make it a bit easier for others. Don't forget how much you have helped others by your posts.We are all in this together, and it is good to have a safe, understanding place to comunicate with others and express your own feelings.

All the best

Ellu

@Former-Member

I'm so sorry you are feeling this crap you deserve better.

I know it seems like everything just builds up during this time of year and yes its great how health professionals all take leave so if you need them they are not there.

One thing I have been learning for me is to take one emotion at a time and work on it, instead of the whole illness - I think that overwhelms me too much but doing it bit by bit is easier and habits are forming. I still get rage and all the feelings come on with a "knee jerk reaction" but now I think about it more and the consequences it will have if I act on it. I know its really hard but I also keep myself moving if I'm depressed or anxious. I will try and do something whether its house work or gardening and when you have done something no matter how small its gives you confidence and satisfaction that you were able to do it and helpf sfor next time around. Believe me I have to really push myself where it can hurt physically at first but then I soon forget and get immersed in what I'm doing. What about treating yourself, go to the movies or the park or zoo somewhere that makes you feel calm.

@Former-Member you have helped so many of us, now its your turn to think about you and get well and be supported by us here.