Slow brain

[Astarlove]

Hello good people. It been 3weeks of respiradone. I feel my mind is still slow. When will it become itself and back to normal? And when will i feel im really back to myself? And happy and normal? What should i do during the healing process. When will i be healed? Did u experience mood swings during the healing process?

[Ramlah_at_APP Volunteer]

Hello Astarlove,

Sorry to hear your mind is still slow . Sometimes certain drugs can take a while to help you feel back to your old self again . Hopefully, when they reduce the dosage it might help .

Everyone’s healing process is different my dear , so it’s hard to say when you will be healed completely. Just know you , you are on the road to recovery ❤️‍🩹!

In the meanwhile you could find a hobby that interests you ; To help you feel happy inside when doing it . Personally for me , music was therapeutic for me during the healjn process and to be honest to this day if I feel low I find listening to music instantly puts me in a good mood . Going for walks is great too or exercise is great too for creating endorphins, however be careful when exercising as the medication might make you drowsy.

Take care

Feel free to respond xx

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hi Astarlove,

I wrote to you a while ago and spoke a bit about my recovery. All I can say is that we are atoms and energy and it is pretty fascinating how our bodies are trying to heal. Lots of self care and self love required, but also being able to have the access to help and support.

I was so poorly in the first few months, that my brain just shut down. Memories came back or had to be refreshed by my partner often after years. You know, As mentioned previously I had PPP in 2010 and was sectioned. I did not receive appropriate treatment nor the right medication for a long time, hence why my recovery took so much longer.

The combination of meds cocktail I received were traditional,- they were the once which helped me to fight the battle against hallucination and finally to improve gradually.

Risperidone is an antipsychotic medicine that works by changing the effects of chemicals in your brain. It is used for stabilising your moods/hormones. It is worth while to read about side effects. I remember I got terribly dehydrated and I have had no concentration level.

It is important not to set unreasonable targets with regards to setting a deadline for recovery. It is just not possible with a mental health condition. However, we all have recovered, the women here on the forum

Whilst recovering in the first 2 yrs I learnt

- to identify triggers and implement coping strategies such as achievable goals and all in stepping stones

- therapeutic modalities such as intensifying meditation skills, mindfulness of breathing, developing art as therapy

- to look at nature in a different way and be in nature regularly, it is such a healer

- to trust and communicate again via group therapy

- to focus on my little boy and doing a lot of creative stuff together, going swimming, cycling,

visiting baby massaging group, when feeling a bit better I went to a play group with my son

- to journalising i.e. data collection about your days and emotions/ hurdles to overcome etc. in order to inform health professionals for ongoing health care plan

- a weekly routine helped tremendously when not feeling well, especially sleeping routine

- healthy diet

- close contact with GP, Psychiatrist, Health Visitor and Care coordinator

Take good care xxx

[Jenny_at_APP Partner]

Hello Astarlove,

I hope you're doing ok today.

I'm sorry to hear your mind is still feeling slow. It can take a while for medications to settle and for us to adjust to them, but it's also very common to feel quite flat on antipsychotic medication. I didn't take Risperidone so don't have any experience I can share but am sharing a link to some information about the medication if it's at all helpful: choiceandmedication.org/ncm...

As others have said, everyone's healing process and journey is different - you'll get there You've had some great suggestions above. I found having a routine helpful, spending time with a trusted friend, writing and getting outside in the fresh air. I hope you can find things that give you a lift - try to notice any positive moments and remember that despite the ups and downs you are moving in the right direction.

Do keep in touch with professionals about your medication, I hope things start to feel a bit better soon.

Sending you very best wishes,

Jenny x