Hiding and Survival

HIDING ~ 7.31.18

By the age of eight years old, I had to figure out, quite abruptly and quickly I might add, how I was going to survive. Not physically; rather, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I can’t recall what I did at that young of an age, but something existed within me that said, “No, you will not be beaten by this situation.” The situation was a stepfather entering the picture.

By age the age of 12, I can say that I was very good at hiding.

I would get up on weekends and in summers and do my daily three hour cleaning and gardening, then pack a drink, sandwich, some snacks and a portable cd player, and took off to the creek and small lake not far from our home (house, actually…two different things) as well as the empty bottomed-out river beds full of limestone.

I would have lunch down there, listen to music, wade in the water, and quite often I would take a book to read that day.

I was down there by 9-10:00 a.m. and would have to return home for dinner and cleaning afterwards.

Dinner was seasoned with nightmares – the kind that occur while you’re awake. I would get through all of that as soon as I was able and go to bed, pretending to sleep and blocking out screams with that blasted cd player. The bedroom door had no lock.

During the school year, I left for school early each day, offering the excuse I needed tutoring. I became involved in extra-curricular activities and sports so that I could go home later. As soon as I was legally allowed, I began working. And when all of that failed, when I was going to be stuck in the house alone with him (him is the stepfather) I hid in the bathroom acting as though I was sick, or taking a long time to get ready to go out somewhere, etc.

Ultimately, what I’m trying to say here is that in order to survive that time period of my life, I hid. I got to the point at which I excelled. At that point, it was a coping technique – a way in which I survived.

As an adult, is hiding the healthiest strategy? Probably not. However, you know what? It allowed me to survive. Currently, working on more healthy coping techniques.

Take care and treat each other with love, guys.🙏💛✌

Share

Are you coming out of a period of Depression? Do you have any advice for acclimating to your surroundings and the people in your life? – The coming up for air, so to speak? What do you do then? –

One thing I do, which may sound odd because during Depression people tend to “sleep” a lot. (It’s really just a sort of sleep. It’s not a healthy rest, and it’s often hiding away.) So ironically, when I’m significantly better, I sleep for about 12-15 hours, and sleep peacefully, absent the nightmares, and wake feeling so much better.
I also hydrate with water and juice.

You guys care to share anything?

7 27 18 blog entry

One of the hardest things to do when I’m extremely depressed and experiencing anxiety attacks is…well…anything. So, today, when I wanted to hide under the cover (or drive to a hotel to sleep and cry) I managed to shower, put together a grocery list, made some quick, yummy pasta, and took care of a few bills. Also had a good talk with my son. This sounds like…well…not a lot, but when I’m this far down and pondering various methods of death, it is quite significant.

Therefore, just like I tell my son (he too has Bipolar) I’m congratulating myself and calling it a win!

On Top to Crushed

On Top to Crushed ~ 7.25.18

It’s as simple as this. A month or two ago, I was on top of the world. Now, I feel crushed by it.

My bones are becoming dust, and soon I’ll blow away with a heavy storm.

In keeping true to what I set out to do with this blog, I occasionally add photos conveying mood. Here’s today…and the last couple of weeks.

Talking to Myself

What I’ve been saying to myself day after day for two weeks now. Over and over.

Support Resources

Support Resources ~ 7.19.18

So, my last blog entry was titled, “Ugh.” That remains an accurate description of what’s going on with me. In fact, it kind of makes things sound better than what they are, but it will do for this entry.

I’m thinking I need to join a support group in addition to therapy. I need to interact with others and hear different perspectives, different experiences, and so on.

I thought I would list a few websites and ideas for others to locate a support system, especially if he/she does not have a therapist.

nami.org/Find-Support

healthfinder.gov

betterhelp.com

ecounseling.com

Additionally, you can seek out support groups and connections through local churches, and you can call offices of local psychiatrists and therapists for their advice.

Let’s help one another. Support one another. Love one another.

Any other sites or tips you can offer, please do comment. Please share this page and blog. We need to take care of each other. #helpeachother

Be good to yourselves. #selfcare

Ugh

I feel terrible, both emotionally and physically. I was supposed to receive some epidural pain injections today and could not make it to the facility and it is therefore postponed. And I’ve just hit my limit. I just feel done.

Anyway, this blog is supposed to show good, bad and ugly of bipolar, so here’s the ugly part.

Although it’s not just Bipolar – we’re throwing in physical pain as well. I’m just not digging life right now, folks.

Love & peace to you all. 💛✌

Listen

I like this a lot.

(Credit: Terri Cheney, @bipolar_on_a_journey and HealthyPlace.com)

You Are Not Alone

YOU ARE NOT ALONE ~ 7.14.18

One thing about mental illnesses vs physical (& visible) illnesses is the response and support I receive from friends, fellow church members and even family members.

Broke my foot, my support system and community rallied to provide meals for at least two weeks, which was much appreciated.

Down and depressed though, rarely have I received offers of the same kind of help.

I have been thinking, why is that? I’ve come up with two reasons, as far as my own experience goes.

1. People are uncomfortable around someone struggling with depression and/or anxiety. It’s just the truth.

2. I have not done a good job reaching out and asking for help. So why on earth would friends and family feel anything else besides uncomfortable?

Having pondered that, I’ve decided in the future I will try my very best to ask for help, and during my okay times, I’ll continue to try to share things about Bipolar with others.

I would like for there to be encouragement and support for those with illness, as well as their family and friends, on this site.

I want people to know they are not alone.

Even If You Stumbled

Even If You Stumbled ~ 7.11.18