Four weeks ago my wife came down with a nasty cold. She had a harsh cough, congestion, and little energy. I was diligently praying I would not succumb to a similar fate. My hope was dashed a week later as my wife continued to struggle. I woke up on a Friday morning with a scratchy throat and immediately knew it would only worsen in the days ahead.
My wife was ill for two full weeks with some residual symptoms after that time. A Doctor diagnosed my symptoms as a sinus infection. Yesterday was the best I felt physically in over 2 weeks.
We have all experienced a cold or flu in our lives. Depression, anxiety, sadness, addictions, and trauma are elements of mental health that some of us succumb to from time to time. When I think of my symptoms of severe depression they usually are low energy, unable to think clearly, and it is persistent over time. My recent sinus infection hung around for a little over 2 weeks. However, my depression has hung around for years. I have worked really hard with my therapist and psychiatrist to get to this point in my life that things are manageable. I wish my mental health only hung around for 2 weeks but it simply does not work that way.
What is it like to have a mental health condition? Recall a time when you were sick with a cold or flu. Eventually, most of us get better. A mental health condition can hang around like a cold or flu day after day, month after month, and year after year.
There is hope regardless of the circumstances we face. One option is to attend the Peer-to-Peer Support Group I am doing this Thursday evening December 28, 2023 from 6-7:00 p.m. The group is done virtually and you can access it by going to https://superhumanbeing.net/thursday-zoom-event/ and clicking on “Zoom Meeting”
I believe those of us in recovery who receive support from people are blessed for your efforts. Thank You!
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/