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Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

33cRioliContributor06 Oct 2015, 10:11 pm AEDT

Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

Hi I'm Kate and have just joined this site. Have just finished watching the 8.30pm ABC Mental As program "Changing Minds" and was very moved. I could relate so much to almost evryone in the ward. I have been diagnosed both Bipolar and Schizoaffective (depending on which Doctor's opinion) along with a personality disorder. I am 45 now and had my first major manic and psychotic episode at 25; have been on antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, anti depressants and anti anxiety medication ever since.

I haven't worked in over 4 years due to being bullied at my last part time office job, which I walked out on in 2011. Most of my jobs have been blue collar as these are more plentiful when I can only manage 15-20 hours a week due to stress.

I've never had any meaningful romantic relationships due to a fear of getting close to others. I've had a lot of friends reject me when I got sick in my 20's. If I was no longer outrageous and partying (read: manic and controlling moods with alcohol) then apparently I wasn't any fun any more. So I isolated, got depressed and drank at home alone instead. This went on for 12 years and I stacked on the weight; went in and out of hospital and life was shit. Things improved a bit nearly 3 years ago when I managed to stop drinking; AA has helped me. I've met a lot of nice people who also have a mental illness in AA. I now have a little dog I got from a shelter and she is great company. It's taken a while but life is looking a bit better now.

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In response to: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

PeppiPattySenior Contributor13 Oct 2015, 3:01 am AEDT

Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

Wow I can't hold much right now ..... I haven't slept for about 2 weeks ..... Medication change !!
But I just wrote an email to channel 24 on that no wonder that people who experience times of mental ill health don't want to share their experiences when wonderful Emma from Lateline showed Peter Dutton up as being the most unempathetic politician in the land a lady with long brown hair at 10 am Sunday was rabbit ting on about how mosques influence 15 year olds ..... I then suggested they get the managers of Sane Forums to come in and speak of Their experiences then give them a step by step teaching tool to teach people what compassion and tolerance means .....

In response to: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

PeppiPattySenior Contributor13 Oct 2015, 3:10 am AEDT

Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

Dearest @Elissa
It feels like you have too much expectations on yourself .....do you know what I mean ? I also live RIGHt next to a very very beautiful beach but I also can't appreciate it right now. Ita frustrating isn't it ?

So you might be what I'm doing. Too many hopes and expectations .....
Why don't you just do one thing each day ? Personally this is all I can manage....
It's taken me many years to learn this trick ..... I get Silver Chain in now to help me manage my days

. I'm trying very hard to focus on special @Arcacia message but I can't

In response to: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

AlienBP2Senior Contributor13 Oct 2015, 9:15 am AEDT

Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

I think maybe you should reduce your expectations" just a little " to take the pressure of yourself... Continue to strive though ..,never give up, never surrender...,
Focus on what you find easiest and what you enjoy...plus what you are gifted at ...maybe " explore the other".... Best wishes Al

In response to: Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

ElissaCasual Contributor13 Oct 2015, 5:57 pm AEDT

Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

Thanks Al I appreciate your advice. I'm going to try and be easier on myself 🙂 Today is one of the better days that I have had in a long time, and even managed to do somke work! Hope your day brought good moments as well.

Best wishes

Elissa

In response to: Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

ElissaCasual Contributor13 Oct 2015, 6:00 pm AEDT

Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

Thank you 🙂 having a better day today and going to try not to put too much pressure on myself. Savour those rare and wonderful moments of peace. Lots of hugs

Elissa

In response to: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

AlienBP2Senior Contributor13 Oct 2015, 6:34 pm AEDT

Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

Actually I'm going " extra well".,,,so getting plenty done round home.... I've been in a good mood especially so monitering myself for signs of " hyperness".....
( I had been " flat for a long time so reduced one of my medications to 50% and feel much better and motivated...;-)

In response to: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

AlienBP2Senior Contributor13 Oct 2015, 6:42 pm AEDT

Re: Just watched Changing Minds and could relate so much!!

I think I had become " over medicated resulting drowsynees and a lack of motivation ( I will tell my Dr this next time I see him...( there's 2 drugs I adjust at times ...,I keep the Dr informed of thes changes...sometimes increase a little sometimes down....
The things I self monitor if I'm speaking too quick impulsiveness increased ADHD running around too much ( hyper)
If I'm lethargic sleeping too much feeling low not getting anthong done .....I self monitor all these to give clues whether to adjust" slightly " my medication

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