Tiddles loves Rover: April 2012

Sunday, 29 April 2012

Appraisals and angel wings

Due to my breakdown I took just under a year off work. I hated being off work – it meant I had failed and wasn’t in control. I’ve been back a year now and had my annual appraisal the other day and have been thinking it about it ever since (I do over analyse everything!).

It was so negative. Apparently, no one thought I would get this far, in fact they wanted to start disciplinary proceedings. This is the first I knew of this. I was told I cried too much – I think I shed a tear in a couple of meetings when I first returned but have held myself together since. Since my return I have worked long days and taken no more time off.

Returning to work is always difficult for anyone, you're not sure how people will be around you - even harder with a mental illness. It was down to me to approach people if they didn’t talk to me. This can be so hard especially when you see people purposely walk to the other side of the office. All you want is someone to smile at you, to say hello.

The image is of angel wings wrapped around to protect.

Heaven in her arms

Alex Cherry

Giclee Print

Buy From Art.com

Saturday, 28 April 2012

Making sense

I set up this blog to share my experience of depression - I knew it would be an emotional journey but hadn't quite realised how much so.

Years and years of unpleasant life experiences I coped with on my own caught up with me about 18 months ago. I had a breakdown, spent time in hospital, and then visited daily by psychiatric nurses at home.

I'm now back at work but the healing process is very long and hard. For the first time I spoke about my life experiences. They are now out in the open, they were contained before. I'm not sure which I prefer..I'm hoping my to make some sense through writing.

Saturday, 14 April 2012

To dance like Rita and Fred....

Physical activity is also good for your mental health. Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can also boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. The treadmill never appeals but oh to dance like Rita and Fred - how wonderful.....