The impact of mental health conditions on daily life

[Elephant86]

The impact that my disabability has on me is immense and I must not only be the only person that is going through it. There must be many of us that experience mental health impact at one time or another. The impact that my condition has had on me is that I will never get my licence  because of grand mal epilepsy . I also have a bipolar which makes me sick for a month at a time but I choose to not let my disability deny me of a happy life. I have sorting a healthy activity plan where I do reading, cycling, meditation, cooking, family, dog time.

Everybodies health activity plan is different and you do what is good for you but these are the things that help me cope with my condition. 

We as human beings have difficulties but it is how we stand up to our difficulties that determine our strength with in . I found my strength in writing. You must find what you are good at and play to your strengths. disability is a word but you choose how you rise above your situation.

I hope you have a wonderful day today

[Eagle Ray]

That is an inspiring post Elephant86. Thank you for sharing it.

I’m currently adjusting to cognitive changes but finding playing music (guitar and singing), photography and being in nature are really helping me. So it’s encouraging to read about what is helping you and alternatives you’ve found, such as cycling instead of driving.

 I met an 86 year old woman some years ago who loved to paint and write poetry. She was increasingly losing her sight so she said she had started to do what she called shadow paintings to depict the world as she now saw it. She kept creating her poems that she now recorded into a tape recorder instead of writing them down. She sent me a book she’d had made of her poems, many of which were quite humorous. She managed to turn adversity around. She was recovering from a broken back when I met her and she was still very spirited and was someone who took a great interest in other people.

I’m glad you enjoy dog time. They are the best medicine, aren’t they. I always improve greatly after patting and spending time with a dog.

All the best and thanks again for sharing your positive post.

[james1]

Hello Elephant86,

What a great post! Thank you. I really relate to what you said about 'you choose how you rise above your situation'. I think it really articulates how personal our experiences with mental health conditions are.

While I don't currently still suffer from depression, it actually still affects me in other ways. I'm much more mindful now when managing my relationships with people, careful not to be too isolated but also not overly stimulated to the point that I feel burnt out. I also find I push myself less in work and hobbies, so I probably miss out on quite a few opportunities in life for fear of burn out and falling back into a depressive state.

I am sure that these are both good and bad, but they're intentional choices in life which suit where I am in life, and I think are respectful of who I am and my particular mental health challenges.

I also love dog time. I think that's the best time, and so does my dog!

James

[Tash_108]

Hi Elephant86,

I'm really impressed by your positive outlook and strong determination in dealing with the difficulties brought by your disability. Your story of finding strength through writing and your encouragement for others to explore their own strengths is truly inspiring. It's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and finding effective coping strategies that work for you is crucial.

Thank you for sharing your experience and reminding us of the incredible power of resilience. Your words have the potential to bring hope and encouragement to others who may be facing similar challenges. Keep embracing your healthy activity plan and focusing on activities that bring you happiness and inner peace.

I wish you a fantastic day ahead!