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Hi All, It was suggested that there be more sharing about how we all stay healthy, i.e., manage depressive and manic episodes, and stay away from the hospital. I have been able to hold the same job for the past three months and fortunately, I just got promoted to permenant employee status so I must be doing something right; This is the first job I have been able to manage since October of 2006. The below list of skills are just how I manage my care, I am not suggesting that this is to replace medication, I am just sharing with all you fine people how I have managed the past 10 months since my last hospital stay to manage my BP along with taking my medications. Action Steps to Staying Healthy 1)Take medications as prescribed. 2)See Dr.(meds dr.) regularly. 3)See Therapist regularly. 4)Communicate to Dr. any changes in mood, increase in anxiety, increase in crying spells, increase in sleeplessness, etc. 5)Listen to spouse or significant others when they tell you something is not right with your behavior. 6)Do not drink alcohol or take mood altering drugs 7)Get plenty of sleep 8-10 hours per night. 8)Manage Negative Voices. When experiencing negative voices, I try to remember what is true. I write down what I know to be true and try to forgot what those negative voices are telling me. If I can't get them out of my head I talk to someone about them (my husband or sister), or call the Dr. because my meds aren't working properly. 9)Try to talk with a friend, someone on the boards, or a family member at least once a week. This is hard since we all tend to isolate, at least I do. 10)Eliminate Stress - if you can. One big thing you can do is find a less stressful job. Thankfully I was able to find a low stress job that I love, I took a 20,000 a year pay cut to do it, but, if I didn't change my job I would have probably been right back in the hospital. I can do this because I have the support of a husband. If you can't, maybe there are other ways you can eliminate stress in your life. I hope this helps someone. I really appreciate all you guys out there fighting the fight along with me. Hang in There - Life Is Worth It! datagrl_06 |
"I am so happy to be a part of the MDJunction family! Where I used to be alone, I now have friends whom inspire me, comfort me, support me, and do not judge me. My new life began October 17, 2008. I weighed in with severe depression, social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder. I was born with complications but I am fighting for my life and I will survive!!" (apieceofwork)
