Hello everyone! Welcome back to my blog! I’m so sorry I’ve been away for a while! Life definitely has a way of keeping us busy! However, I made sure to have some down time too. For a long time now, I’ve been talking a lot about my mental health. For those who are new to my blog, I suffer from depression. It took a long time for me to start seeing a therapist and even longer for me to start psychiatric medication. I didn’t want to admit that I had a mental illness, but I was in desperate need of help. My mental health was so bad that medical staff asked if I would like to be hospitalized during my consultation to start therapy. I declined hospitalization. The staff respected my decision, but connected me with a therapist and psychiatrist right away. I started seeing a therapist every week and a psychiatrist every month. I was given the contact information for my mental health team and the Suicide Prevention Hotline, all of which I used frequently. I’m very grateful for the efforts of my mental health team, and I’m happy to share that I’m seeing a therapist and psychiatrist once a month now. I’m to the point where I can’t fully remember the last time I had a depressive episode or contacted the suicide prevention hotline. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.
My improved mental health has had a wonderful impact on my everyday life, particularly my social life. I’ve always had a very close relationship with my family, but now I’ve become even closer with them since my mental health started improving. I used keep to myself and avoid family gatherings, feeling my presence wasn’t wanted or a burden. I know better now, and know how much I’m loved. I regret missing out on so many moments with my family. I don’t take spending time with them for granted anymore, and treasure each moment. Last summer, I went to a barbecue where I had lots of fun, and in the Fall we went to a farm. We took so many pictures at the farm and picked lots of apples. Just last week, one of my siblings and I went to a cafe. We made ourselves comfortable and bonded over a yummy donut and delicious coffee. We also bonded on our walk to and from the cafe. My depression made me feel isolated, and if I was still struggling, I would have missed out on building precious memories with my family.
Now that my mental health is looking good, I’ve been trying to get my physical health in order as well. Mental and physical health compliment each other after all. I want to look as good as I feel. I’ve started gaining a lot of weight in a short amount of time. Late last year, my father and I agreed to start putting some exercise into our schedules for the new year. We’ve been keeping our promise to each other so far, but it definitely hasn’t been easy. Not only has exercising been helping with my physical health, it has helped with my already close relationship with my Dad. Exercising together has brought us even closer.
The start of my mental health journey was definitely a turning point for me. I have changed for the better. During a conversation with my pastor at church recently, he asked if there was a period in my life I would return to. I answered there is no time in my life I would return to. “I’m happy with the life I have now” I said. For once, I really meant it.
Life with Charli 