hi guys,
i was thinking about what i have learn't being mentally unwell. yes, i have some insight, and have gained some understandings that are positive. just because people are mentally unwell does not mean that they are less of a person, obviously in some circles there is still stigma, albeit it is slowly changing here in australia. sometimes we are our own worst enemy, sometimes we fall into our own self-defeating ways and behaviours. isolation is hell, for some people this is an act of punishment, for others it is hiding ourselves from others as to not show our vulnerability or weakness.
me, i now inform people that i live with mental illness. alike diabetes it is a medical condition (depression and severe borderline personality disorder) and i am not ashamed to admit this. you can tell pretty quickly of those accepting and those who are not. for me it is literally seconds, thus this is a positive as i have learn't in a positive way of assessing character. another point is that i know real quick when i am going down hill, thus i can get interventions easier. for me now, hospital is their if i really need it, albeit it is coming to four yrs since an acute admission.
constantly communicating with different people, from different walks, religions etc has given me a better understanding of cultural signifigance in people from different walks who are mentally unwell. so many ideas, tips and ideas, exactly like this forum. i learn from others every day and from this i learn about myself. keeping busy is important-but you must have diversity or you get bored or suffer from being non-stimulated. education is key. i keep on top of new treatments, i talk with consumers, my doc, etc. i feel this is important, having coping tools is vital-but each has to be right for each situation. as people have learn't i am a man who follows the mantra of no reward without risk and he who helps himself/herself will reap better dx or prognosis outcomes.
so people, keep talking, learn, try stuff, be compassionate to yourselves and others. life is for the living friends, yeah depression is no picnic, it is a battle, remember a problem shared is a problem halved.-: within therapy, within understanding ourselves and or conditions. pls, pls remember that depressive illnesses are medical conditions alike diabetes or high blood pressure. thanks. be kind to you, their is only 1 so be no 1 in your lives my friends. with everlasting compassion. jamie
apologies for length.