STAYING WELL - OR - STAYING ALIVE?

[Zan]

Staying well? Come one -- if we've all got a diagnosed mental condition such as Depression or Anxiety Disorder or PTSD or Bi-Polar, we're hardly going to be "staying well" are we? So lets skip the "niceties" shall we and get down to the point that no one here wants anyone to do anything that prevents them from "staying alive".

So really the whole question is, what keeps us "going" when all of those horrible forces come in at all sides and totally overwhelm us? I've found sleeping to be the best option -- in fact I think nature almost puts that thought, or desire to sleep, front and centre in our heads in times of greatest trauma and stress. If one observes nature it's easy to see that the injured/sick animal always seeks out that dark safe place in order to heal. It's just that with our modern society being so far removed from nature, with all of its lights brightened, plastic, cement coated, manicured and out-of-place gardens etc,  that we have lost that concept, and now many so-called intellectuals and professionals actually believe that sleeping is an escape, or wrong, or giving in. Yeah right - so nature is wrong and modern consumerist Big-Pharma capitalist market driven thought is correct? Huh! I'll take the nature any day, thank you very much!

Another "life saving" method is to go on a walk - if able, or take a bus/train to a park and sit in peace and quiet (again the "nature" approach). Me, I'm more fortunate than most in that, as five world heritage National Parks are at my very doorstep.

Music or comedy is another --- and singing or making music or laughing is even better.

.Just do one, or all --- and stay alive. Tomorrow is another BRAND NEW DAY, and one never knows what it will bring.

[HA1]

Hi Zan

I guess I would agree with you in that I never see myself as focussing on "staying well".  If I was well I would not have the mental health issues that I have.  In my view, it is about managing the illness.  

All the things you identify, go for me also.  Sleep is a great cure.  Others include, go for a walk on the beach and just focussing on the sounds around you (also forest  notices are good, but you get the drift).  My favourite though is being alone in my space when I need it.

thanks for the post, it is a good one.

take care

k

[white knight]

Hi Zan.

I'm with you and Hideaway on this. But Zan, I detect an anti modern world feel to you? Let me explain.

In 1988 during a time of high stress with a workplace issue, I became so stressed I needed a break from home. My friedn offered to take me where no other human was, no traffic, no concrete....all those things that bothered me in a manicured world.

4 hours later we arrived at Cape Otway Victoria in the most remote area. It was dark. He said "just over this small bridge is the spot". The headlight shone on about 100 tents and just as many caravans. lol.  So disappointed and a need for a overnight site we went to a lookout and pitched our tents. The next day, eager to see a natural view, was a view of....a pine plantation with heavy machinery arriving 10 minutes later. I lost it. I realised I had little choice but to seek a happy medium. And I have.

Nestled in a town of 150 people is our cabin with my dream of dormer windows. close enough for supermarket supplies etc but far enough away from others I dont need to endure loud doof doof music or yelling. And a peaceful garden a work in progress.

Finally my wife has depression and her sleeping needs is proportionate to her illness. Worse her condition the more she sleeps. Yet I have depression, bipolar type 2 and dysthymia and I get mania and sleep much less when I'm depressed.

Horses for courses. Unless we are twins we are indeed unique.   Love the post.

Tony WK

[Zan]

Gi'day white knight -- I know what you mean about getting away from it all only to find everyone chose the same day and place to do the same thing.

One weekend I climbed Mt Warning (Wollumbin - Nthrn NSW) at 4am to be at the top to watch the sunrise --- only to find 20 people already there. However once over the shock of not being alone on the top of a sacred koori mountain, we all began talking and most were like myself, amazed and kind of comforted by the fact that others had also put in the effort to be there to watch the sunrise -- and wow -- looking down on cloud tops swirling below us as the sun came up from the sea way way in the east over Byron Bay as colours changed from pale grey to light pinks to lavender to silver ... it actually felt awesome sharing the experience with these other 20 like-minded people more than it would have been if I was alone. Anti-modern? No - just a simple nature lover. It's kinda hard to be anti-modern if communicating on an internet web-site forum - no? But if by anti-modern you mean anti-capitalist, anti-global corporatization, anti-consumerist, anti-resource depletion .. then yes, I admit I am. I grew up on a rural farm although I have worked and lived in various cities all around the world. Since my 'breakdown' though I have sought refuge back in nature in a remote rural environment, and probably because it reminds me of my childhood it is the place I 'feel' most at home. It is also filled with magnetic and deep ancient koori song-lines and dreaming ... so this 'alive' and 'vibrant' Bundgalung country has made me 'feel' more welcome than anywhere else on this planet.

[white knight]

Hi Zan,

I read you.

Your sunrise experience reminds me of a Paul Hogan sketch. He was in the desert telling the camera "here I am, where no man has been before..." then a 4Wd comes driving over the hill.

I too moved from the city to rural area over the years. Central Victoria. In fact moving to the country is one of the suggestions I pass by those that are desperate when they post here. Being radical isnt such a bad idea if you're at your wits end with little to lose. Sometimes a radical step as moving house is just not thought of.

All your "anti's" I agree, I'm to that way inclined.

As for your sunrise description. It reminds me of my spiritual journey (non religious) that started 28 years ago. Google "Prem Rawat Maharaji sunset".

Maharaji tells it that a sunset lasts 2 hours and so, few humans have ever seen a sun- set. And the beauty of it. In 1990 I finally did just that, climbed a large hill, sat on a rock and watched it set, eyes closed, tears streaming as every sound from the trees blended with my mind. Maharaji has others on youtube...."the perfect instrument" is one that comes to mind.

You sound like you are at "home". That is really significant for anyone with struggles. A good base.

Tony WK

[Doolhof]

Hi Guys,

I have really enjoyed reading your posts. I too love nature and find it to be so comforting and soothing. As I was reading your words, my mind was forming pictures of the places you have mentioned.

I grew up near the ocean and so love to go to the beach. The closest beaches to us are along the Adelaide coastline, so they are not all that quiet and peaceful at times. But I do try to shut out the noise of the world and concentrate on the sounds and smells of nature.

I recently had a weekend staying in a cabin in a park close to the beach in Adelaide. I spent as much time on the beach as I could at different times. I made myself a picnic dinner and sat there watching the sun go down for a couple of hours and stayed long after the sun has disappeared.

The funniest thing ever was when a couple of people came to the beach to take photos of the sunset. The guy and the lady were walking on the sand like they were in a paddock full of cow pads!

It was hilarious to watch. The lady ended up shouting at the guy to get out of the sand while she rushed back to the cement path.

They missed the beauty of the sunset, the sound of the seagulls as they flew towards their roosting area, the murmur of the waves rolling on to the shore and the feel of the sand beneath their feet.

They missed it. They just totally missed it!

I'm so thankful I can find the beauty and the peace that God/nature/the universe has to offer us.

I'm thankful for sleep as well.

Cheers guys, I have enjoyed this so much. We are going for a walk to a local gully today so we are looking forward to that, never been there before.

From Lauren / Mrs. Dools