Hi, I am from Harare, Zimbabwe. The self isolation has not affected me much because I don't like going outdoors. It was a little drawback because a friend had finally managed to get me to go for walks in the morning. I have to start the process all over again, that is gaining the confidence that I will be ok when I walk out. It's good to connect with you all. There are very few people here who openly discuss their mental health issues. So its always a relief to chat with other people.
Chinaniso from Harare, Zimbabwe - Positive Wellbein...
Positive Wellbeing During Self-Isolation
Chinaniso from Harare, Zimbabwe
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Bless you China ISO.
I have fond memories of Zimbabwe -beautiful country.
Take care of yourself,try and do something each day you enjoy,have a routine each day and be kind to yourself,we all have days that aren't great
Tomorrow will be better
Hi,
I know exactly how you are feeling but the sun will eventually shine for us all again and you will be able to carry on with your outdoor adventure.
A number of years ago when I felt very like you do now a friend recommended a book
'Sunbathing in the Rain' by Gwyneth Lewis which helped enormously. It might be worth reading during this quiet period.
I'm sure you will find support on this forum and wish you well for the future. xx
Hi and welcome to this supportive community Chinaniso. If you had just started going out with your friend, then you know you will be capable of doing it again. The whole world has been affected by the virus and we are here to help support each other through it. Nice to have you along. xx
I used to live in your beautiful country between 1964-1968. Terrific place where I lived in Umtali (Mutari). Is it still beautiful??
I guess you are struggling with health issues of some kind. You mention mental health. Do you feel up to sharing?????
Oh wow, I was born when you were in Zimbabwe. With all that is going on, the politics, the financial issues, the economy etc, we sometimes forget what a beautiful country it is. Mutare is still beautiful, with its scenic views, and the neighbouring Nyanga with the scenic mountains, Chimanani, Vumba. The Eastern Highlands, as we call them.
I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive, disorder . This is a disorder that people here think its a white man's disease.
Welcome to our friendly supportive community Chinaniso, I live in the Uk, and have a medical confition called Ataxia, and many other medical problems too.
Ataxia eventually affects the brain, speech, coordination and balance, and there is no known cure for it.
My coordination and balance have gone, but my brain and speech are not effected at this time. 😀👍🌈
Take care and stay safe! 😀
OCD is a very common problem all over the world. Do you receive any professional help. I wasn’t aware that race was an issue. Do you have other health issues?
Have you any idea when it began and do you have your own theories about causal factors? I too have had mental health issues in my past but not OCD. It can be very debilitating. How do you manage?
OCD is universal. Does not discriminate at all, but in my country, because of stigma,people hardly talk about it. It is pure lack of knowledge that people behave that way. My OCD is hereditary. It started when I was in high school. It got worse when I got married. I am on medication and I see a Psychiatrist once in while.
I married a narcissist. He is not physical but emotional, and financial abuser. I have decided that I really don't want to live with him anymore. We have been married for 24 years and enough is enough.
I have osteoarthritis. And if I don't exercise my legs get really painful.
I only managed 13 years with my Narcissistic husband. I ended up with Clinical depression and years of unnecessary suffering afterwards. You cannot change a narcissist. They are who they are. The charm offensive they use to get you hooked on them in the first place, works very well for them but it never gives them happiness or you while you try to cope. Mine had 3 marriages, numerous affairs and hooked on porn. Fortunately, I was able to have two wonderful children thereby. From a positive point of view, watch your own OCD problem. At the moment it is your way of coping. I’d hate for anyone to follow the horrible path I went down. Today I have been happily married to a good man for over 12 years. He ‘looks after my needs’ as I suffer greatly now from quite a few physical problems. I do have a positive attitude now though borne out of a strong faith in Jesus Christ. Oh how grateful I am to know that He has given all of us hope in a better future after this life. I just wish everyone could embrace Him in their lives too, but that is not likely in truth. My good wishes and support are here for you anytime. Just don’t give in!!!!!
You seem very well educated. Are you able to use that in a constructive way? Do you have children? Keep on smiling xxx
Thank you Splonge60. It's been a tough long road. I am so relieved that I have finally seen him for what he is. I have a 22 year old daughter who is in Europe at College. I am sure she will understand. She ones asked me why I married such a man. And she has always said, you shouldn't let him treat you like that. He does this even to her . I have tried to protect her as best I could.
I am a founder of an OCD Trust which is raising awareness and support to the people. I have also recently been appointed Executive committee member for Global Mental health peer network representing my country. So I have a bit on my hands and loving it. I have come across at least 5 ladies in Narcissistic relationships and we keep saying we should form a support group.
Thank you for your support. Being in such a relationship like this with OCD is the worst. I am he enjoyed it before I started my therapy. He even tried to convince me that I didn't have OCD. Such is life.
Thinking of you Chinaniso,and wishing you every happiness as you move forwards in your life without this man.
You can do this and am so proud that you are moving forward in your career and making such a difference to others.
Sending you ,support ,good wishes and many blessings
I am so glad you weren't affected in a bad way. Walks are great though , try to get back to it if you can, even if 15 minutes. You can build each week. I can see you have such a great spirit. Keep going and you can do anything you put your mind to! Sending you positive vibes and many blessings.
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