helpingothers

Today I was seeking outpatient care at a new facility in a new city. Things haven't been good for me lately. We moved across the country and life happened and I stopped taking my medication for bipolar & borderline plus I lost my therapist due to the move. I was manic for about a month before that all came crashing down in the form of a suicide attempt, a stay in psych and a major depressive episode to follow. Today was finally the day I was going to pick myself up and go get help. I drove to the facility, open minded and feeling hopeful for the first time in weeks. I got there and it was a walk-in, first come first served situation. I was too late. I wouldn't be seen today, the receptionist said. I immediately felt my body go numb and tears started flowing down my face. I was trying to stay calm but I was spiraling, fast. Feeling stupid for getting my hopes up, feeling like no one cared, all of it. I had it in my brain that I was going to be seen today, that I'd get medication and I'd be okay. Luckily, I did get seen after about 2 hours, but what happened in between me checking in tearfully at the front desk and me finally being seen by a doctor was the most simple of things. Another patient, a girl about my age, saw me, barely able to speak from crying so hard. We made eye contact and then I went to sit in a secluded area of the waiting room. She then walked up to me and said something along the lines of, "brighter days are ahead, and I know it doesn't feel like it, but you're going to get through this." And then she asked me if she could give me a hug. A complete stranger, who was there for problems of her own, wanted to comfort me. I said yes and I sobbed in her arms. Eventually, I gathered myself and we sat and talked for awhile. She told me about her problems and I did the same. Sometimes these mental illnesses can feel so isolating, but we all have more in common than we think. I'm so grateful for her. I wish I had gotten her name. She gave me comfort when I needed it most and I'll never forget that. #helpingothers #MentalHealth #Bipolar #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder

#Stories2Connect #helpingothers #homelessness #Recovery

Hi guys. I’ve noticed a few people mention that they have shared their stories about mental health challenges and some even mentioned they got them published in various pamphlets, magazines, etc. I’m curious if there are certain to reach out to about this or do I just share some of my stories here on the mighty? Thanks everyone!!

I’ve been thinking a lot, I hope that the one thing that comes out of this, one of many I guess, is that people realize that #Anxiety attacks, #panic attacks and #Depression are all very real and that they can happen to us at any time. Sometimes there may not be a rhyme or reason. And sometimes the trigger boops you on the nose. If you are #alone , you aren’t not alone. We are here we know, we understand. Reach out! #helpingothers

#CPTSD I find that because of my life experiences I am more sensitive to situations.That can be beneficial. As a teacher for 18 years I was more in-tune with why some bully.I was in-tune with students who were emotionally vulnerable. I could FEEL the needs of a bully or struggling student. That made me approachable.That made my room a safe room. That made me not judge them as stupid or lazy when they failed a test or struggled completing homework. That made me not judge them as mean when they teased or bullied.5 years retired now.I STILL have former students contact me. #helpingothers