Hello, back in mental health maze again

Hey @schmanxious ,

Welcome and thank you for making your first post.

Mental health is unpredictable. Not easy at all. I can see how physical health would have exacerbated your mental health.

I hope you find the support and connection you deserve.

What are things you enjoy doing?

thankyou tyme:)

I like comedy, playing instruments, meditation, Buddhism, philosophy, dogs, libraries and more ...

Hello @schmanxious

A big welcome to you !

Strangely I can relate to you in many ways:

I was born in 1960

I am dealing with post surgery depression

I am in education also

Good on you for getting up and starting your day with exercise WHEN YOU CAN! It's okay if there are times when it's just not doable.

I'm glad you recent life saving was successful, however I understand how getting through the initial fear and going forward is very challenging indeed.

If you are able to take extended leave from work I would suggest that you do so and to give yourself small step -by-step reachable goals.

At the same time please take care that you are not closing material or emotional doors.

The world of education is complex and challenging. Be proud of taking on the demands of each day and coping as best you can RIGHT NOW.

Do you have any support, personal or professional?

Definitely reach out when and however you are comfortable.

Connecting here is a good start.

There are so many beautiful, accepting and compassionate people here who are always keen to share and support us.

Well done you!

Taali x

@tyme

Education can be so rewarding and so draining at the same time @Taali @schmanxious

It's important to have those boundaries and know when you need to step back to look after yourself.

@Taali @schmanxious - what do you do to look after yourself?

You're so right @tyme about the challenges and rewards in education.

I guess I would say that the best way I found to support myself was to compartmentalise the various aspects of my work, while holding tight to my vocational aspirations. I'm not saying that I was always successful, far from it actually.

I made a conscious decision to uphold and defend my personal and professional values which truly gave me the strength to forge forward.

I hope @schmanxious

I work over 3 schools & 4 sites which is difficult how I am right now.

2 yrs ago, when I returned to work after my heart attack, most other staff didn't know I'd had one & nearly died!! so, didn't feel nice.

my gp is awesome & I have a long term psychologist who will see me at quite short notice.

I live alone which is not ideal either but c est la vie

I'm on anti anxiety/depression drugs, try to exexcise each day and meditate EVERY day

Heck @schmanxious

3 schools over 4 sites! That's one hell of a tough gig.

You're amazing.

I'm glad that you have access to good health professionals.

My GP is great, my psychiatrist not so much. Maybe I'm still a little grumpy since he discharged from inpatient care before I thought I was ready.

Got to get over that.

My regular at home community mental health support nurse is great. So I'm lucky there.

I also live alone which, as you say, is not ideal. Very easy to take a ride down that slippery slope.

Struggling not to turn back to old self destructive behaviour.

Must constantly remind myself that I am not completely lost.

Trying to look up and find my stars aligned. 🌟

T 💋

@tyme

re self desruct behavior i stuck up a bit of paper on the wall with "smart/dumb" written on it to reflect on things i do.

eg: rolling over after alarm in morning instead of getting up to exercise is dumb.

Journalling with reflection every once in a while is smart, etc.

You are not still teaching ? (or working?) Work is double edged at the moment for me; too stressful & its bad, but if I'm not at work I can ruminate too much which is not good. aiming to reduce the big A & get the balance right