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Is there life after hospital.?

sottyCasual Contributor14 Mar 2017, 3:32 pm AEDT

Is there life after hospital.?

Hi there,

I have been in hospital about 15 times with bipolar. every time i come out its like rehabilitation. I mean I get so so bored and feel like only half my brain works. i found i have to learn to be myself again. I don't know if anyone else feels like this. The boredom it the worst to face. If i do have things to do I don't have the motivation to follow through with them. instead, Id rather lay on the bed there do something active but then feel bored and frustrated. so a bit of a catch 22.

and in the past when i have got better, I feel like ive lost a piece of myself to my sickness. a loss of confidence and a part of my soul. nothing feels right for a long time.

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In response to: Is there life after hospital.?

Unknown userMember18 Mar 2017, 8:51 am AEDT

Re: Is there life after hospital.?

Hi @sotty

I am sorry you've had so many hospital stays due to your illness. Do you have people to support you apart from your psychologist?

I found staying in touch with other patients really helpful and also joined the outpatient program after my first admission to stay in touch and learn how others deal with the challenges after hospital. Is that a possibility for you? The forums here are also great because people share their experiences and it made me feel better to know i am not the only one who struggles to go back to a normal life.

It's 7 months since my first longer hospital stay and about a month since my second very short hospital stay. I thought about my goals for my second hospital stay as soon as I got in - I didn't need medication adjustment so that might be very different in your case - and I tried to keep a normal schedule, keeping my bed times the same, continuing helpful behaviours like meditation. I found it much easier to go back to normal life this time.

Can you set out a plan when you're well enough either with your psychologist or alone with things that make it easier to go back in a routine when you're home?

I hope you feel a little better soon! Take care and stay in touch.

In response to: Is there life after hospital.?

ElluSenior Contributor19 Mar 2017, 9:21 am AEDT

Re: Is there life after hospital.?

Dear sotty,

I have bi-polar and have been in hospital about the same number of times as you. When you leave the safe confines of the hospital and are suddenly on your own the days can stretch endlessly before you. You have to get used to doing everything again - shopping, driving, seeing friends, and that does not happen overnight.

You are doing exactly the right thing by getting out into the community, doing some volunteer work and mixing with other people. Boredom is the great enemy of us with bi-polar. In addition to your community work, do you have any hobbies or interests you could work on? If not, then now is the time to look around for something you would like to do. Writing, drawing, painting, gardening, cooking; these are all ways to keep busy and avoid falling into a slump.

I know it is hard, I have been there, You have to rebuild your life, and that takes time. Have courage,

Ellu

In response to: Is there life after hospital.?

ThedoublejsNew Contributor21 Mar 2017, 7:15 pm AEDT

Re: Is there life after hospital.?

In response to: Is there life after hospital.?

sottyCasual Contributor22 Mar 2017, 9:14 am AEDT

Re: Is there life after hospital.?

Hi again.
Im founding keeping myself occupied a real challenge. I want to do things but founding it hard to do the doing part. I dont want to be bored and know theres a hundred things to do . Someone suggested a club house but i cañt find the post. I just dont want to be bored

In response to: Is there life after hospital.?

ElluSenior Contributor22 Mar 2017, 3:45 pm AEDT

Re: Is there life after hospital.?

Dear Sotty,

Boredom is the great enemy of we people with mental illness. We end up thinking too much and thinking in circles and end up doing nothing at all. Is there a Neighbourhood House near you? You can ring your local council and find out. Neighbourhood Houses have all sorts of programmes and classes which are free or cost very little.Have you thought of doing any voluntary work? If you google Volunteering Victoira (or your State) there will be dozens of opportunities there. You can do as little or as much as you like. It is a kind of vicious circle. If we stay at home nd do nothing then we get used to that. If we try a tiny step outside it will help us feel more occupied and better in ourselves. I hope you are brave enough to take a step outside - you might find that you like it. I kow how hard it is, I am not pretending it is easy. But if we can at least make a start it is a beginning. Maybe the first time you try you won't make it, but don't give up!
Ellu

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