My battle with mental illness

I have had bi-polar disorder for about 16 years now. And I definitely have my on and off days. I must admit though most of my days are good so I really can't complain too much. But I'm going to share my story. These two pictures are about 3 years apart. In the first one I was at the lowest point I have ever been. I had recently quit a job that I loved, and I wasn't happy with my new job situation. I had no motivation or drive to do my best. I really had no motivation to do anything at all. I wasn't happy with myself and I didn't care about myself either. I would usually just wake up in the morning and brush through my hair a little, brush my teeth and put clothes on. I didn't try at all to look my best or even try to feel good about myself. I just didn't care. All I really wanted to do was sleep. I also had really bad social anxiety, especially in group settings. I would clam up, not say a word and want to leave the room. David and I even went on a few vacations during this time and I know I wasn't the best travel companion. I wish I could go back and have that time together to get the memories we weren't able to. I finally realized one day that this wasn't the person I knew or that my family new. I also didn't want my nieces and nephews to remember me like this. I wanted them to know the fun Aunt Missy!
I have had so much support from my husband, my family and my friends. I have also had great doctors and therapists who have helped me along the way.
I feel like I am the happiest now than I have been in a really long time. I feel so good about myself and I have a lot more energy than I have had in quite a few years. I know that this is something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. And considering some of the challenges that I could have I think I'm pretty lucky that I can still enjoy my life and the ones I love!!

Comments

30 day 📷 challenge....Week 1

I decided it might be fun to do a 30 day photography challenge. So what I'm going to do is take a picture every day for the month of July and post them. I'm going to do them as a week review though so I will just have four posts for this month. It should be fun!! Saturday July 1st: ▲Selfie- I might just be the selfie queen! This day I decided to try something new with my hair, so I did a side bun. I think for my first attempt at it, it turned out pretty good. Sunday July 2nd: ▷Watermelon- I love watermelon, I was a little surprised though to be given watermelon at the end of our Chinese meal the other day. I must admit it was very refreshing! Monday July 3rd: ◊The sun- I just thought this was a pretty picture! Tuesday July 4th 🎆: ◈Action photo- This is a picture from the 4th of the kids running to catch the parachutes. It was such a great day!! Wednesday July 5th: ◅Where I sleep- I love my bed and bedding set. The mattress is so comfy a...

Things I do to cheer myself up when I'm feeling down

Over the years I have had to find ways to cheer myself up if I'm ever feeling low. As I think we all have had to do. Here is a list of some of my favorite things to do. ♬ I will usually listen to music. Listening to the right songs can put you in such a better mood and even bring back a whole bunch of memories. I love music and always have it on. ♣♤ Another thing I like to do that will always cheer me up is playing games. I love to play all kinds of games. Card games, board games, anything really. ☏ If I'm ever down I can always call my mom and talk to her she always knows what to say to put me in a good mood and make me feel better. Or I can text my dad and talk to him. I also have several cousins and friends that I can call or text to help brighten up my day. I am so grateful to have them in my life and that I have such a good relationship with all of them. ✄🎨 I love to do crafts and being able to do a craft and use your creativity and imagination is so soothing an...

Is this REALLY "The Best-Kept Secret" about weight loss?

I read a very good article in Time Magazine that focused on weight loss. In the article Kevin Hall studied 14 contestants from "The Biggest Loser." He found that during a regular season of the show the contestants lost on average of 127 pounds and each about 64% of their body fat. He also found that over time 13 of the 14 contestants that were studied gained back 66% of the weight they'd lost on the show, and four of them ended up being heavier than they were before the competition. Now if that doesn't make you want to give up I don't know what would! When you think about it those reality shows are really not set up for long-term success, but really a quick slim down. They make anyone watching think they can do it just as fast. And I know that I've said it before but I believe that most Americans want a quick fix and want to have everything right now. Another thing those shows have that we don't is personal trainers, dietitians, chefs and doctors al...

Melissa's story

Search This Blog