Tales from a Bruised Mind

I’m feeling better than ever

The time is here and now.

I’m feeling my normal self again which is a relief because I honestly thought it would never end up this way.

If you had asked me how I was going twelve months ago, I may have just said ‘good’ but not great. I still had a lot going on in my life.

I’ve had so many ups and downs, it’s hard to actually fathom. From hospital admissions to stresses and extra pressure with work, the last few years have been non-stop.

Battling a mental disorder is no easy feat. It takes time to understand the good and the bad and how to manage it now and also well into the future. It takes years of therapy and rehabilitation to get to the here and now.

Here’s a list of good things that are happening in my life:

  • I feel most of all very happy
  • I feel good about my life and where it is heading
  • I feel strong and confident
  • I feel like I’m back to my old self
  • I’m not stressing all of the time
  • I feel good tackling whatever comes toward me
  • I have a great understanding of my illness and why I am who I am

So how does one get to this mental stage, exactly?

I am no expert and I am not accredited, however a few of my top tips are, regardless of what sort of mental issues you are having:

  1. Dedicate yourself to learning about your brain, your triggers and your key weaknesses
  2. Find and understand your early warning signs and write them down, or even mind map them, so that you know what to watch out for. This is super important
  3. Expand your networks by touching base with GPs, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors or anyone that can be of assistance for you when you need it. Establish this network when you feel well just in case the bad days return!
  4. Treat your brain (and body) like a temple. You’ve only got one
  5. Be as social as you can be and keep in touch with family and friends
  6. Learn about your illness
  7. Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or diary

I believe that everyone can have great periods in their lives, no matter what the circumstances are.

Being happy is not as hard as it seems.

Stay strong,

Zak

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