Sunshine77
06-02-13, 09:49
Just reflecting on the last 4 weeks since I had my "meltdown" and was signed off work. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel yet looking back at the day I threw in the towel I couldn't see how I could ever feel human again. 4 weeks isn't long really and although I am not there yet, I'm so much better than I was. Mornings are still tough but I'm not paralysed with fear any more.
I'm due back at work next Tuesday and although that frightens me a bit, I keep reminding myself that I was enjoying it before I got sick, and it feels more manageable now than it has done before
Thought it might be helpful to list some things that have helped me:
- Spending time with my closest, most supportive friends, talking things over
- Forcing myself to do something outside of the house every day
- Re-learning my sleep pattern - with tablets for the first few days and then naturally
- Baking and cooking - always therapeutic for me!
- Citalopram - once I got over the first week of awfulness, they are definitely making a difference
- This website - posting, reading and replying. Knowing I'm not alone
- Getting lost in a good book
- Distractions like board games in the evening instead of TV, doesn't let my mind wander into the fear and panic
- Cuddles from my lovely husband. He has no idea what to say, bless him, but a hug is enough sometimes
- Cuddles with my 2 cats - I swear they know when I'm down or scared
- Affirmations, particularly those that remind me to be kind with myself. I don't find it easy to do but I'm working on it!
- Gentle exercise
I hope I'm not tempting fate by posting this - every day is different and tomorrow I might have taken a step back again, but I hope it helps anyone who, like me a few weeks ago, can't see a way out of the blackness and fear. It will get better. :)
I'm due back at work next Tuesday and although that frightens me a bit, I keep reminding myself that I was enjoying it before I got sick, and it feels more manageable now than it has done before
Thought it might be helpful to list some things that have helped me:
- Spending time with my closest, most supportive friends, talking things over
- Forcing myself to do something outside of the house every day
- Re-learning my sleep pattern - with tablets for the first few days and then naturally
- Baking and cooking - always therapeutic for me!
- Citalopram - once I got over the first week of awfulness, they are definitely making a difference
- This website - posting, reading and replying. Knowing I'm not alone
- Getting lost in a good book
- Distractions like board games in the evening instead of TV, doesn't let my mind wander into the fear and panic
- Cuddles from my lovely husband. He has no idea what to say, bless him, but a hug is enough sometimes
- Cuddles with my 2 cats - I swear they know when I'm down or scared
- Affirmations, particularly those that remind me to be kind with myself. I don't find it easy to do but I'm working on it!
- Gentle exercise
I hope I'm not tempting fate by posting this - every day is different and tomorrow I might have taken a step back again, but I hope it helps anyone who, like me a few weeks ago, can't see a way out of the blackness and fear. It will get better. :)