Going Home

Thoughts of past and present invade my mind. Extinguished thoughts of harm or compressed ideas? Happier disposition due to changes in drugs and perhaps the reduction of stress to continue the functioning fight.  Sleep is your friend here. It helps one heal.  Will it be my friend or enemy at home?  Increased anxiety of the uncertainty of what may come as I put myself back together. I have new skills in my toolbox along with friends and loved ones who support me.  Nothing is perfect.  We all suffer from time to time. Just don’t hold on to the suffering and learn to let go.  Feel, breathe, experience, and release.  Always remember “there are no ordinary moments” (Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman).

Saying goodbye is never easy, even in a psychiatric hospital.  The staff genuinely cares about your well-being. Some will give you hugs to say goodbye and wish you well. Others will remind you of your coping strategies and let you know you can always come back if you need to (I personally hope one visit is enough).

New strategies and resources make choosing the hospital a last resort. An increase of confidence and self-esteem gives you the strength to cope.  Close friends and family provide support and understanding, yet other family members may never be a reliable proper resource for support.  If you really want to learn about a loved one’s illness, then take the time to do so.  It isn’t helpful to say, “I don’t understand. I don’t understand. I don’t understand.”

We aren’t afraid to talk about our invisible disabilities. You aren’t going to “catch it”.  Ask us how you can support us. Normally we just want you to listen and learn about our disabilities.

Just something to consider.

~A. Mac