Hello all
It was been more than 2 years since I attempted to take my own life and I thought I'd drop by to let you know that I have fully recovered and am enjoying life again.
In May 2022, following my attempt, I was diagnosed with caregiver burnout. My adult son, who has autism, ADHD, intellectual disability and Bipolar II was still living at home. He is now in supported NDIS accommodation, and I am really enjoying having the freedom to do what I want, when I want. I had also been looking after my elderly parents. Mum had been thrown into psychotic depression from the Covid Lockdowns here in Melbourne and was a hospital admission. Dad had undiagnosed mild Alzheimer's and i hate to think how hard it was for Mum looking after him on her own.
Long story short being a sandwich carer was just too much. Mum went into care in late 2021 and Dad followed soon after. I was falling into a carer role with Mum and ultimately, it's what did me in.
My brother has taken on the carer role, and I am now able to just be her daughter.
Dad, sadly, passed away a few weeks ago but he was 89 and it was peaceful, so I'm ok. I did all my grieving during 2021 while supporting him at home while Mum was in hospital.
Bottom line, I accepted help and counselling following by a few months of therapy with a senior psychologist helped me enormously. I made a full recovery and got on with my life. Such help is vital if we are to recover from such a profound experience. Today I find it hard to imagine that I ever felt that bad. But I did.
I ended up writing a book entitled, "Behind the shield of a strong facade: A suicidal crisis".
Thanks for reading.
