topic Share your achievements, small or big! in Staying well

Share your achievements, small or big!

Beltane — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 04:51:19 GMT

Another nice little topic to chat about 🙂

It's really important to those of us with mental issues to hold on to our achievements and successes, especially the ones over our illnesses. Each and every achievement, no matter how small you might think it is, is so important. We should celebrate and take pride in each achievement- because each one is a step towards recovery.

So in this topic I'd like us to share our successes. You can post as often as you like, every time you have an achievement or success you'd like to share (even if you think "but it wasn't that big a deal"). Yes it IS a big deal! Fighting an illness is hard work, so lets celebrate all our achievements!

When i first fought my anxiety, my very very first challenge was to drive to the local shops. And I achieved it, and boy did I celebrate. Might not sound like much to someone else, but to me it was like climbing Mount Everest while wearing shorts and thongs (i imagine). So you better believe I went home and danced around my house celebrating my success!

My most recent achievement I am celebrating is: I attended my first job interview in 3 years that i did NOT take any anti-anxiety medication whatsoever for. Every other interview in the last 3 years i've needed strong anti-anxiety medication. But after much therapy and hard work, i learned more and more coping skills. I was nervous about not taking the medication as I was so used to doing it, but not only did i get through the interview but i did it calmly and kept my anxiety well under control. I'm pretty proud of myself!

(Also I got the job- yay- but unfortunately i cant accept it due to other reasons. But I'm still celebrating being offered a job!!!)

So lets hear it! Whats a recent achievement, positive step or success you made? Take pride in it and celebrate it!!

Share your achievements, small or big!

Blue85 — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:25:46 GMT

A small win for me was defeating my intense fear of leaving the house without makeup... Having dealt with a bad case of self hatred, I always had my 'mask' of makeup.

After a lot of CBT, I made my first trip out without my mask last year. Since then, I go makeup free around 50% of the time, and I feel far more free and comfortable in my own skin. It is a positive step forward in my journey of self acceptance.

Share your achievements, small or big!

Doolhof — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:32:20 GMT

Hi Beltane,

This is a great idea! I hope more people come on board and share their stories!

On the weekend we had friends visiting. I did not feel comfortable with us all just sitting around chatting, so I suggested we all went out and did some sight seeing in the area.

We went to a lavender farm and then to a winery and a rose garden. I really enjoyed myself and hope our friends did as well. It was a huge step for me to suggest something like that without thinking and believing (wrongly) that the others might feel negative about my suggestions.

There were a few negative comments, but I tried not to take them on board and enjoyed the day.

From Mrs. Dools

Share your achievements, small or big!

cyb — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 11:49:07 GMT

About 7 years ago I decided to go back to uni and to graduate certificate in science teaching secondary. I am primary school trained. I was then working fulltime, had a 4 year old, and two teenagers and single. Yes, a recipe for a breakdown. Well I finished the course okay but when it came to the exam I was so so nervous. I took an anti anxiety tablet which clouded my brain and I ended up failing the exam by a few marks. I was asked to come back and resit but I did not want to go through that again. I gave up. Last year, I again went back to uni and this time to do a graduate certificate in mathematics. I actually got into this course by default as after my experience with the chemistry exam, I had no confidence left to go back to uni. Well, I passed all my exams, 4 in all, while working 4 days a week and even got HD"s in three of them. I made sure I had a study group to help me through and this was amazing. One more thing.. one of my units was a statistic unit, quite challenging. During the 10 minute reading time I decided that i couldn't do this exam and just about walked out. I sat there, frozen, a complete mind block. I decided I would not leave without doing at least 1 question. There were 6 questions in all and a 3 hour exam. I completed 1 question, so I decided to start another one.... I then completed that question. I went on to finish the whole exam and now for the good news, I received a HD for that unit. I always now use this story for my daughter who panics in exams... It just takes one little step at a time.

Share your achievements, small or big!

Sweetlikecinnamon — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 06:53:09 GMT

This will be my first post in this forum 🙂

I just got my driving licence a few weeks ago. It's a massive achievement for me, but to others not so much. I can drive to my parents house nearly an hour away, but I can't do highways yet. I suffer from anxiety, and some times agoraphobia, but I'm slowly managing that.

Share your achievements, small or big!

Doolhof — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 07:37:36 GMT

Hi SLC,

Congratulations to you for getting your licence. Well done. That can be such a huge thing for the average person, let alone for someone with added issues of anxiety. You must be very proud of yourself!

Thanks for sharing. It is always excellent to read the good news stories here!

Cheers to you from Mrs. Dools

Share your achievements, small or big!

Beltane — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 07:44:20 GMT

Oh wow! thanks for joining my little thread here all! These messages are so fantastic to read! Thanks Mrs Dools for your post, sounded liek you had a nice day in all 🙂

cyb! fantastic news about the exams! boy i definitely used to get that too, exams are such pressure-filled times. I always found it utterly stupid that the entire sum of your educational experience should be assessed by a few pressure-filled exams. I mean, its ok for those few people that handle pressure super well, but for the rest of us we find our minds go blank and our tummies turn to jelly! So MASSIVE congratulations on working through those feelings and getting HD's.

And congrats sweet cinnamon on passing your driving exam. i too remember how stressed i was that day. i remember being up all night vomiting actually, i was so nervous. but i passed too, and i got more comfortable driving over the years. i still don't like driving in the city- i CAN drive in it, i just don't like to.

Well i went to a job interview the other day! i've been unemployed for quite a while struggling with an acute phase of my illness. It's gone back under control now, so i've been back at it applying for jobs. I also am studying, and like cyb am celebrating getting HD's through the marked units.

i've had massive problems with interviews in the past- ive even gotten up in the middle of interviews before and run outside, becuase the anxiety got so bad! i've cancelled interviews as well...
But this interview for me showed truly what i can do! I had obviously spent a long time with my therapist working on coping skills and relaxation techniques, also i take a medication daily for my anxiety too which helps a lot.

But anyway, this interview i felt so good throughout. I was nervous yes, but not anxious, and i used all my coping skills to remain calm and confident, smile and answer all the questions as confidently as i could. At the end the interviewer said i'd interviewed very well and showed a lot of knowledge about the position, enthusiasm and passion for the job.

So I'm really really happy i did so well in an interview!!! How amazing! I really hope i get a call this week to say i've got the job!

Share your achievements, small or big!

romantic_thi3f — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 00:08:13 GMT

I like the thread idea! Great post! 🙂

My latest thing that I'm proud of is finishing my Diploma.

I struggled so much through the course as I had lots of health issues and had to have it extended twice. But when I finally finished it it was such a big relief to know that all that hard work was worthwhile.

Share your achievements, small or big!

Doolhof — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 08:44:06 GMT

Yesterday I had the courage to phone one of my clients and ask them if they could change days, so then I would be able to better balance my work load.

Usually I am not very good at that kind of thing at all and don't stand up for myself very well.

So I was pleased with my achievement!

Share your achievements, small or big!

the_motorcycle_boy — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 15:57:35 GMT

Great idea for a thread Beltane, good on you regards your interview. Good luck with the job!

Well, I haven't had any huge achievements lately so I'll settle for a small one. I'm nearly up to 50 posts. Now that's a real achievement for me. It is hard to believe that people have actually written thousands. Amazing!

Also, as I'm recovering from depression I notice things, almost imperceptibly, getting better, each and every day. This is great motivation to hang in there. So I guess this is an achievement in the pipeline!

Share your achievements, small or big!

Doolhof — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 07:49:44 GMT

It is fantastic news that you are recovering from your depression. Well done to you!

Does it matter if we have small achievements or huge ones? As someone once said "A journey starts with one single step".

Speaking of steps, I recently had the great privilege of meeting a guy who is walking from Mildura to Adelaide to raise money for an organisation that helps returned soldiers with depression and PTSD.

This guy, Nathan, has been in the military himself and has suffered from these ailments. I was able to walk a little way with him, joined by a friend and chat with him. He was a real inspiration, and so open to talking about his depression!

So Motorcycle boy, one step at a time!

Cheers form Mrs. Dools

Share your achievements, small or big!

the_motorcycle_boy — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:21:21 GMT

Hey thanks very much for your kind words and encouragement Mrs Dools. It means a lot. That must have been great walking with and chatting to Nathan, as you say a real inspiration! It's wonderful to see people with depression being acknowledged and making a difference. It would be nice to do something one day just to contribute but I guess all the people at BB are doing that right now, making a difference.I will take your wise advice...

One step at a time!

All the best

TMB

P.S. Another achievement! 51 posts!

Share your achievements, small or big!

Doolhof — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 10:06:16 GMT

Hi TMB and all reading,

Sometimes I do feel like I am contributing very little to this world we live in, but just like a journey takes one step at a time, our contribution to those around us can be done one small thing at a time.

After listening to Nathan and walking along with him, I felt like my life was worth very little compared to what he was doing. Later I stopped to think about that.

Years ago a friend called to say he needed to come over as he was feeling suicidal. I could have told him it didn't suit, to just pull his socks up or whatever, but I didn't. He came over, we had a chat and went for a drive.

He is still alive and now has 4 children.

As you mentioned TMB, we are all trying to make a difference in someone's life by being part of Beyond Blue.

Just by saying hello to a stranger and smiling at them, we have no idea how that might change their day.

I assist the elderly in their homes. I try to spend time with a few of them after my work hours are complete. Just half an hour of my time for a cuppa and a chat makes so much difference to them.

During the summer on really hot days, I phone some of them to make sure they are okay and they have their air conditioners on. They appreciate that.

I realise I don't have to walk from Mildura to Adelaide to make a difference. I can walk to a friend or family members door and catch up for a while. I can use the telephone and call someone, send an email or a text message.

One step at a time. One action at a time and we can achieve so much!

Encouraging you all to make a difference in your own life and in someone else's!

Cheers and hope to you all. From Mrs. Dools

Share your achievements, small or big!

AshleighGee — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:40:09 GMT

Small achievements for me are like leaving my house without feeling terrible, not losing it at work, talking to someone on the bus etc.. im happy that now im enjoying school more now, because i remember a time where i could barely get ready without feeling very upset and distressed about leaving. I've come very far 🙂

Share your achievements, small or big!

Doolhof — Mon, 25 May 2015 13:17:23 GMT

Hi Ashleigh,

Well done to you! Thanks for sharing your success with us. You have encouraged me to keep going during the times when I would rather just stay at home.

Congratulations for being so courageous!

Cheers, from Mrs. Dools

Share your achievements, small or big!

Narniakid — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 13:19:45 GMT

Hi everyone!

A pretty significant achievement I made is that today marks a whole year since I last self harmed.

I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety about 5 years ago and I really struggled with an addiction to self harm. I could go about 2 or 3 weeks at the most, but then I'd give in. To think I was suicidal just 12 months ago, and in that time I've turned my life around, got a job and my license, is just the weirdest but most satisfying thing I've accomplished.

To celebrate, I got a tattoo of the word "fearless" on my hand.

Remember, it gets better, buts it's up to you, and each and every one of you can do it 🙂

Crystal

Share your achievements, small or big!

Doolhof — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:00:07 GMT

Hi Crystal,

CONGRATUALTIONS to you. Excellent! That is wonderful you have managed to change your life around so much. Well done.

You must be really thrilled with your achievement. Thanks for sharing your encouraging news with us all. It helps when times are low to know that other people have made it.

When people see your tattoo and ask about it, you will be able to share your story with them if yo want to. You never know how it may help them!

Once again congratulations for all of your achievements.

From Lauren

Share your achievements, small or big!

Narniakid — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 13:02:53 GMT

Hey Lauren!

Thank you for your kind words, it's been a while since I have felt this proud of myself. I've posted a photo of my tattoo on social media and the positive feedback has been absolutely overwhelming! It's really nice to think that I can talk about such a heavy issue on mainstream social media, and get the message out there that it does get better!

Once again thank you for your lovely response, it means a lot 🙂

Crystal

Share your achievements, small or big!

the_motorcycle_boy — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 01:49:44 GMT

My latest achievement is continuing to get better! Starting to go out more and doing things I used to be fearful of.

I also really wanted to reply to Crystal's marvelous post. To see you overcome such adversity is truly inspiring! It gives much hope to others. What an achievement! Well done!!! Great to hear about the wonderful positive feedback on social media as well.

TMB

Share your achievements, small or big!

thisaquarian — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:24:04 GMT

Hi Beltane, what a lovely idea for a thread topic! Congratulations on your job interview, and performing so well that you were even offered the job! That must have felt amazing - even more so when you had to decline the offer. Well done 🙂

I loved reading everyone's achievements.

Crystal well done on your recovery and massive achievement. Awesome that you have taken back control of your life - and look at that big smile. You look like you are proud and happy with yourself.

Mrs Dools well done on being able to put yourself and time management first. 🙂

sweetlikecinnamon - well done on achieving your driver's licence, I bet that you are enjoying your independence now, what an awesome achievement! 🙂

As for me, last Saturday's hike was a big achievement for me. I was almost to the top of the hike and I was just over it. Mentally I was DONE... I leaned against a post and thought "That's it, I'm done, I'm going home" ... however it was just another 5 minute walk around the corner, and there was a lovely seat looking at White Rock. I didn't know that, and I didn't care... I'd made my mind up that I was done. My friends and partner encouraged me on to the seat and I am so glad that I made myself do it - I was so ready to give up! I realised that it was all a mental thing - my body was physically capable despite the extra weight I'm carrying, but by this stage I was worn out physically. (Think of The Biggest Loser when the contestants do something massive like hauling a truck or a big triathlon up mega hills or something - I was as emotional as that.)