I had an intense session with my psychiatrist this week.
My intense and declining low mood (bipolar depression) has left me with three options:
- Adding a bunch more meds, which will leave me feeling like a zombie – and neither of us wants that. (My psychiatrist follows a holistic approach – which I am very thankful for, that way he does not just pump me with meds)
- Trying Ketamine
- Last resort – but not one either one of us are comfortable with – Shock Therapy
We have obviously tried a bunch of things before reaching the list above, but I don’t think I have been pushing myself as hard as I can.
I had a session with Eli has well, and we also discussed things that I can do because I do not want to try anything on that list. After a long and meaningful session, we decided on the following. (Some I added on my own)
- Getting a library card, and start reading books that I will actually enjoy, and not the ones that I am currently reading because clearly it’s not helping.
- Walking my dogs at least every second day
- Having a solo date – maybe a trip to the beach, or a little picnic or coffee date
- Falling in love with myself again, along with all of my flaws
- Taking care of my hygiene and physical apprearance
- Going to the gym at least four times a week
- Falling in love with new music
- Praying every morning and every night
- Keeping my house and yard clean
Some of this might seem so simple to the next person, but it’s really hard for me. Sometimes the thought of getting out of bed brings me to tears because it seems impossible. And you are probably thinking, why now? What will make a difference this time? What will push me to do these things this time? I realized I need to fight for myself and my life. I have been down a dark road, and so many people have been trying to save me, meds have been trying to save me, but I have not pushed hard enough to save myself. I am not saying this will be easy, I will probably shed many tears trying to attempt all of this, but I need to think of it this way, it’s either my tears now, or all the people I love – it will be their tears later. This is all that is driving me, and I am thankful that I realized this early enough. If you are reading this, and you resonate with it – take it as a sign to hold on, and to fight – fight for yourself, because you are worth it. You make the world a better place. You light up the room. And you are loved by many.
I am not sharing this looking for attention, or seeking sympathy or whatever vain reason. I am simply sharing because I know I am not the only person feeling this way, and this is also a way for me to hold myself accountable. At the end of October, I want to come back to this blog post, and my goal is to have done everything listed, and to be in a better place mentally.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health – take care of it.
Whoever you are, wherever you are – I want you to know that you are loved, you are beautiful, and I don’t want you to give up. Life is worth living. Find something to hold onto, and reach out to someone if you are struggling. Also – Fight for yourself! If you feel like an approach suggested is not for you, then speak up. You Matter!!
Until next time my lovely souls, remember you are loved!
xx