The last year
has been one of the hardest since my first serious mental health breakdown in
2007. I’ve stood way too close to precipice of life and death on more occasions
than I think I ever have in my life – particularly midway through last year
when I spent five weeks in a psychiatric hospital.
The only
reason why I haven't slipped over the edge is my son. Even when the battle
seemed too great I just had to think of him – my beautiful five year old boy –
and a little voice in the back of my head would tell me to fight on.
It’s been nearly
seven years now since I first came truly undone. Over those seven years I have
had eight in-patient admissions to psychiatric hospitals, have done three out-patient psycho-educational courses over a 17 month period, had constant therapy with
either psychiatrists, psychologists or both, and have read a lot about mental
health. Crikey, you'd think I'd be cured by now!
But it is not about finding the cure, it is about managing the condition, and I've learnt a lot along the way about how to keep my head above water, even when I felt the undertow was going to beat me.
But it is not about finding the cure, it is about managing the condition, and I've learnt a lot along the way about how to keep my head above water, even when I felt the undertow was going to beat me.
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I thought I'd share a few of my survival tips*:
1.
Maintain
a good mental health care team
I've been
going to the same general practitioners’ centre for seven years. I’ve changed
doctors but have maintained my relationship with the surgery over the entire
time. If you can find a good GP, stick with them. You don't have to keep
telling your story over and over and they can tell when you're not doing well
sometimes even before you know it yourself.
I also get all
my medications from the one pharmacy. They keep my prescriptions on file and
can let me know when I'm due for more. I've built a relationship with a couple
of the pharmacists which makes it awesome knowing I've got more people on my
team who understand my situation. I went there once during a panic attack when
I was out shopping in the city with Noo because that was the closest safe place
I could think of. I was supported through the attack while another staff member
played with my son – definitely going beyond the usual pharmacy service!
I've had
numerous psychiatrists and psychologists over the years. Some I’ve been with
for two years or more, some for a very short time. It is critical that you bond
with your therapist. You have to trust them with your story and believe that
they offer good advice in return. If you feel you've outgrown your therapist or
that they have provided all the advice you think they can offer, don't be
afraid to move on. They won’t be offended. Your sessions are about YOU. Make
sure you control the direction your therapy goes in but be open to new ideas as
well. Seeing them regularly (I go once a fortnight) helps with the flow of the
therapy.
2.
Family
support, if you've got it, is critical – use it yet nurture it
I owe my
survival to my family. They support me, especially helping with looking after
Noo, but most importantly they listen to me. Especially my mum and my sister.
My mum, particularly, has been instrumental in keeping me going over the last year.
She lets me go over and over my thoughts and feelings as I try to understand
what’s going on in my head. I know it has an incredible strain on her but she
never tells me to leave her alone.
3.
Catch
up with your best friends and be social to meet new ones
Since my
huge lifestyle change from party girl to sole parent my offline social network
has diminished. I have a few key girlfriends, most of whom I've known for a
very long time. I can go weeks, even months without seeing them, but when we do
catch up it is like no time has passed. Maintaining social contact with the
world outside my family is sometimes hard for me because I don’t work and I
tend to shy away from extending myself outside my comfort zones, especially
when I'm unwell. I know, though, that it is good for my mental health if I do
get out and connect with people. Meeting people at blogging conferences has
been a great way to do this.
4. Blogging
Blogging has been a real outlet for me. Writing
the stories of my past as well as what I’m going through in the present has
been really cathartic. For some reason though over this year I've
stepped back from my blog. Writing has become a bit of a chore and I’ve become
wary of bringing my readers down with the mood my posts.
I am trying to get back into the flow of it now
Noo has started big school. Having a project that is all mine that I can work
on at my own pace is really healthy for me too. It keeps me busy and using my
brain. Even though I don’t work, I can’t just lounge around and read all day or
watch TV – that just adds to my feelings of guilt and anxiety. Blogging is like
an unpaid job that I am the boss of. The blogging community also provides much
needed connection with the outside world and it is a source of support and
inspiration.
5.
Pampering
I’m not very
high maintenance but I do like to get my nails done every three weeks. I never
miss an appointment and have become good friends with the lovely woman who does
a great job on them. I love the whole process of deciding on a colour and
having someone fuss over me for an hour.
6.
Zoning
out
When I can
watch the telly, after Noo has gone to bed, I love American shows like Girls, Game
of Thrones and House of Cards. I also love going to the movies on my own.
Watching the telly is such a great way to sit back and totally forget about my
woes. My latest thing is to work on a “paint by numbers” painting at the same
time. I started my first one last year and it is totally addictive but
relaxing!
Reading
fiction is also a great way to zone out but when my anxiety is high I find it
very hard to focus. I used to read masses of novels as a way to escape reality
but since anxiety has taken over from depression, it is a little harder for me
to keep up with.
7.
Mindfulness
I've
recently spent a bit of time learning about ‘mindfulness’. I highly recommend
anybody, not just those with mental health issues, to look into it. I've been
following a great iPhone app called Headspace that takes you through 10 minute
mindfulness exercises. I've also listened to Pema Chödrön’s book called Getting
Unstuck which made all sorts of sense about the way I can get myself so worked
up over things. It also gives practical teachings on how to let go of old shit.
There’s
still so much I need to learn about mindfulness and I also need to dedicate
more time to actually practicing it.
If you've
been reading my blog for a while you'll know I've suffered mental illness
throughout most of my life. I know it is something that I will never be cured of, so self-care is survival. Medications and/or talk therapy alone aren't enough. Eating
well and exercise are also important and are areas that I need to dedicate more
time to.
I believe
taking a holistic approach to mental health management is the best way to
having a fulfilling life, armed with the tools to battle the bad times, as well
as allowing the insight to acknowledge and embrace the great times.
What do you
do to look after yourself?
V.
*I am not a mental health care professional. These are my personal experiences and opinions. If you do think you need help with depression and/or anxiety, please seek help from a professional or call Lifeline 13 11 14.
