Moving on

[Becciandbump]

I was just wondering whether anybody who has experienced either psychosis or a difficult pregnancy had any tips as to how they healed and moved on from the experience? I sometimes struggle to get over episodes of poor mental health and really want to be able to put it in the past and start living my life and enjoying my children without focusing too much on my past issues. I’ve enrolled on a mindfulness programme that starts tomorrow it’s just 2 hours a week for the next 4 weeks. I never really have found any sort of hobby that I’ve been able to keep up that distracts me. Is there anything that you do that helps to keep you well?

[Chick44nzrn]

Hello Becciandbump, I’m sure you’ll get feedback from several people here , so I hope this finds you a bit more optimistic today about ways to help you enjoy life again after your experiences. Firstly PPP leaves most of us with anxiety and fear of recurrence , making it difficult to put it on the back burner. Here are a few tips which might help from my own experience ! I recommend regular distraction in any form eg watching videos , films , etc to give your thoughts a new focus. Exercise / any pleasant sort like long walks in nice surroundings each day if you can . Art therapy such as adult colouring books which is superb for relieving anxiety : you have to be mindful or you spoil the picture . It’s very satisfying . Talking and communicating with genuine friends and family . It’s important so as not to isolate yourself . Don’t offload to those who only want to talk about themselves ! Make a little list each day ( if you can)

in your diary , of what 3 things you feel grateful for . That helps to turn negative thoughts upside down . Spoil yourself if you can . Eat some favourite ice cream ! Have a hairdo . Paint your nails .

All of the above are just simple little methods which help you to feel happier and more positive which I have used . Your medical team will have specific advice on that side of things . You will Recover !! That’s for sure . Do take care and I wish you all the best . With love and

A big hug .Denise xx

[Becciandbump in reply to Chick44nzrn]

Thanks I’ve had a new haircut, I do actually do write down three good things about my day and I went for a swim the other day which was nice. I might try and find a dancing class as I think that would be good for my mood listening to music etc

[Chick44nzrn in reply to Becciandbump]

Hello again . That sounds so positive and you’re really into making the most of what is available . Very impressive !

Dancing ; wow what a brilliant idea.. have you danced before ? I hope that you are having a pleasant day today . Here in Dorset it’s bright and sunny , and still not too cold . XDenise

[Jas15 Volunteer]

Hi Becci !

I just want to add that dancing 💃 has really helped me .... it’s a great focus, it’s impossible to think or worry about anything because you’re concentrating on the steps or the moves, it’s worth a try, hope you’re all well, sending love xx

[Revans86 Volunteer]

Hi Becciandbump,

A few things from me that’ve helped.

Mainly reconnecting with my old hobbies to be honest. Writing things down, singing, running (air drumming whilst running, yes really!), yoga, being outside.

Singing is a special one, as I vividly remember the first time I “caught” myself singing again. You know when a song pops into your head and you think “where did that one come from!”, I inherited that trait from my lovely mum!

I used to sing lots before I was poorly but I think being so ill and also my medication dampened that part of me in a way. I’d stopped completely and hadn’t really realised at the time.

Hope you manage to forge out space for you in your family life. The mindfulness sounds really interesting, love to hear how you get on. Take care Xxx

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi Becci

I've read in a supportive reply you gave on another thread that it's your birthday today!! Congratulations and best wishes for a very happy time Have fun xx

[Jas15 Volunteer]

Hiya Becci

Happy birthday from me too!

Wishing you a very happy day 🍰xx

[Hidden]

Dearest Becci,

wishing you a very happy birthday...may some of your wishes come true !!!

OK here some ideas for keeping your mental health in check and balance...based on my personal experience...

…. what comes into my mind is an alternative way of thinking, creativity, journalising, yoga, painting, walking & cycling, striving for personal stepping stones/goals, getting with stuff involved I feel passionate about, - my big and little man always come first & of course my extremely old cat

Now a bit more structured:

Discovering the possibilities for nurturing yourself is of great importance

relationships:

socialising is related to talking therapy, which helps to improve with my fear and anxiety...in small doses and depending on how I feel...I switch off when I need to...not when others want me to...

My voice:

After PPP my voice was broken, but I am getting more and more out of my shell. Once again I share my skills and interact with kind people and who have their morals tuned in...with listening skills and passion for a purpose

Self Compassion:

" … when I am up I am up and when I'm down I'm down", - yes 'I am in tune and out of tune' and have been like this for a long time...learning to be in acceptance with who I am has become a challenge in itself...I am so happy despite bipolar!

Physical Nurturing:

I believe the mindfulness of breathing helps and enhances well being and gives you new opportunities. Yoga is my medicine...and part of my routine

Personal Capabilities and Limit Setting:

My recovery has been long and my toolkit for surfing the waves" (from survival to daily coping mechanisms) is diverse: things I can control are my words, my actions, my ideas, my play, my effort, my mistakes, my behaviour, nevertheless external factors are out of my control: other people's actions, words, ideas, feelings, perceptions, behaviour....I can not safe the world and set myself tasks and explore my limitations, but also only take on board, which I think is healthy for my family and I...

I TRY TO BE NON-JUDGMENTAL AND ENJOY LISTENING, WHEN I CAN! Sometimes so difficult when mind racing...I do not like competition or comparison, that would make me ill... (knowledge gathering and comparing facts is different)

Creativity & Contribution

This is part of my life ethos...I am so fortunate now to pursue various projects through volunteering...I am just learning to feel more comfortable with a third sector " a special place/community, where I mingle with a few other professionals in order be collaborative and exchange innovative ideas and trying to put theory into practise: offering a nurturing and safe space for families...

A LONG BIRTHDAY LIST ESPECIALLY FOR YOU...got to dash in a minute YOGA x

[Becciandbump]

Thankyou everyone for the thoughtful replies I will try some of this. Denzit - I have only ever danced once it was ceroc dancing I went for a year but hurt my shoulder and had to stop it really lifted my mood so I might try and find something else that doesn’t involve moves that would affect my shoulder. I wasn’t very good at it but I enjoyed it