PTSD

[Poulson]

I have just said to my husband that yet again I got poorly again at Christmas, it seems a pattern in my life that I get ill at religious times of the year. I do not know why this is but I will mention it again to my CPN. I have mentioned it to them before

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Hello Poulson,

I can relate to the 'Seasonal Dilemma'...for many years I ignored Christmas, that was before my son was born.

I believe I was sad, because I could not be close to my own family nor celebrating Christmas reflecting my cultural and traditional background.

Because of my make up (Bi-Polar) and after PPP (2010) festive Seasons are still very emotional, but I seem to manage so much better. It is strange how dates, times and festivities have such an affect on our emotional well being.

Yes, I believe talking about the way how I feel or just trying to communicate with my partner in order to leave expectations and pressures by family members and/or friends far away makes the festive time with my big and little man so much more special.

2/3 years ago I tried to fulfil expectations of my partner's family in attending a Christmas meal, but I just got more stressed whilst practising the trial runs . I always went to a pub with a support worker for 4 weeks (nice and empty) and at the end came to the conclusion that there is no point...

Nowadays I enjoy the moment and some friends, but especially family members know that I do not do big crowds or big family gatherings, especially around Christmas...

Yes, talking to health professionals help. I am still in regular contact with my care coordinator & GP.

Look after yourself, hope this helps a bit,

x

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer]

Hi Poulson,

Sorry you have felt unwell over the Christmas period. I think many people find Christmas hard for different reasons.

For me I used to love the excitement and I was brought up in a Christian church so it was a special time.

I suffered PPP and eventually was diagnosed bipolar. Now as much as I still love celebrating Christmas I find it very hard to stay well. For me it is the pressures that Christmas brings that I struggle with. I am not a very organised person and easily become stressed if I feel I have too much to do. Stress then easily leads to be being unwell. I do have a supportive husband though who does a lot to help. Also my mum comes to help me clean and get the house ready. So accepting help and knowing my limitations does makes a difference.

Lastly, I noticed the MIND website did have information and tips on staying well over the Festive Period. Now that you have identified a pattern of feeling unwell at this time of year you are half way there for preparing to keep yourself well next time

Best Wishes

Teresa x