What helps to keep well?

[PamelaR]

Hello everyone

Have been around the forums now for a couple of months. Posted a couple of threads under PTSD, but think it's time I move on to 'Staying Well'. In reality that is the reason I came to Beyond Blue Forums in the first place - to stay well. Not to dwell or mooch in the past.

Many of you will have read the factual information about my past. Something that is missing from my posts though is - how I really am. That's what I want this post to be. It has to be about things I'm finding out about 'who I am and how I keep well'.

I was so down, having retired last year, losing all sight of what I wanted to do, being physically incapacitated, thyroid medication not right and screaming inside. The psych who I'd just started seeing wanted me to look a my personality..... No you don't. That's not what I wanted. So I moved on to a new psychologist.

The new psychologist is drilling down. I have to take stock of myself, my feelings, my emotions and ultimately - who I am (so I need to look at what has formed by beliefs, behaviours and values).

Interestingly I'm still apprehensive about divulging me. You know why - because I was brought up to show no emotion, to not feel good about myself. And especially NEVER talk to others about yourself. That would be bragging or worse, getting too big for my boots.

ATM feeling very emotive. I want to scream, I want to reach out to you all out there and to hug you all.

Hugs were never something that happened in our household. I only learnt how to hug women in the 1990s when I worked with some wonderful group of women in the disability field. How good was that!! What had I'd been missing all those years - hugs from women. It learnt it was okay. Hugging men - of course that was always okay cos it's normal.

Me - my heart pounds at least an hour or two every day. I spend and hour or two settling those pounds. Why does it happen - every look, every word, every sound and every thought make me feel worthless.

I asked hubby today if he loved himself. He said well, yes a lot more that I did before. You know I did that. I thought him to love himself. But can I do that for me. I'm really trying.

Loving oneself - keeps you well. I'll get there. BB forums is helping me like you'd never believe.

Sending everyone who reads this all the hugs I can.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[PamelaR]

Hello Grandy.

Fantastic to hear! It's the little things that help, they keep you active. Sounds like you've made a turning point. Good on you dear.

Bet your dogs loved the brush too.

[Emmy.]

Hi PamelaR,

I’m happy to read that you were able to push through today and bring your anxiety down. That’s always a good feeling.

So you ask what I do to keep well...not enough as I’m finding out at the moment, having lots of health problems. Nothing major but all things catching up with me cause I don’t like myself so don’t put my effort into me. Can anyone else relate to this? I do order meals from lite n easy to make sure I’m eating healthy. I’ve started doing more excercise (aqua aerobics and set up a little circuit at home). And probably making sure I do see doctors when something comes up - in the past I would have just buried my head in the sad. I always have panic attacks at the doctors so I tend not to like to go. Gosh i sound all doom and gloom don’t I lol. Sorry. Does things like meditation count too. And belly breathing. I like practicing those relaxation techniques sometimes. The biggest one I found is just talking. Reaching out to my husband when I’m struggling, telling him what’s on my mind rather than letting it all bottle up. Anyway I hope these are what you’re meaning? Thanks for asking. Emmy x

[Tams20]

Hi PamelaR,

Thank you so much for asking. I’m actually not feeling that well at the moment, I’m still adjusting to my recent Bipolar II diagnosis and a change in medication so am doing all that I can just to get through this without getting sacked or neglecting my children!

I will have a think about what I used to do to keep happy and well and jump back into this thread when I’ve got some things. At the moment it’s a bit hard to remember.

Tams x

[Elizabeth CP]

Thank you Pam, Your list is very comprehensive. I just need to work out how to apply it in my current situation

[PamelaR]

Hi Emmy

Sorry to hear you've got some health issues at the moment. Hope these pick up soon for you. I'm sure they impact on your wellbeing.

Staying well is so important to managing my mental health. All the things you talked about - eating well by getting Lite n Easy, belly breathing, meditation, relaxation - all great things to help you body. Keeping active, e.g. acqua aerobics is also very important.

You're doing a lot of the good things for yourself, even though it's not consistent. At least it's better than doing nothing. Give yourself some pats on the back.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[PamelaR]

Dear Tams

Sorry to hear you're not doing well at the moment. Hope things pick up for you soon. Getting news about your Bipolar 11 and change in medication, while managing your household, is all difficult. Be gentle on yourself.

No pressure for you to get back here. Just when you feel like it.

PamelaR

[PamelaR]

Let me know if you need a hand Elizabeth. Welcome to help out.

[Chloe_M]

Hi Pammy, how was your day? What helped you keep well today?

x Chloe

[PamelaR]

Hello Chloe

Thanks for popping in. Just breathing, thinking different thoughts, pushing through the day by doing little things. Bit hard, but got there.

How about you, what did you do to stay well?

Pammy ❤️

[Elizabeth CP]

I posted on my own thread but I need to to bed so I'll reply tomorrow when I can think straight.