Blog for Mental Health 2015

“I pledge my commitment to the Blog for Mental Health 2015 Project. I will blog about mental health topics not only for myself, but for others. By displaying this badge, I show my pride, dedication, and acceptance for mental health. I use this to promote mental health education in the struggle to erase stigma.”

It is that time of year again. Or rather, it was that time of year again three months ago, but my ongoing physical health dramas have prevented me from keeping a timely eye on the blogosphere this year. Still, it’s better to be late than never, so the time has come to voice my pledge to blog for mental health in 2015.

My reason for signing the pledge each year is simple. Mental illness has played a major part in my life for as long as I can remember. My sister, parents and I have all suffered at the hands of mental illness. So much so that we could probably write some form of collaborative book exploring the best way to cope (and live) with mental illness. Whether it be anorexia nervosa, depression, agoraphobia, self-harm, bipolar, PTSD, hearing voices, social anxiety, personality disorders, OCD, my family has been there, lived it and bought the T-Shirt to proudly proclaim our experiences.

Although I began suffering from mental ill-health when I was thirteen, I didn’t become vocal about it until I was twenty-seven, when I shared my depression with close friends. Shortly after (following a catastrophic collapse of my mental functioning courtesy of a breakdown) I began writing this blog, with the sole purpose of sharing my life (warts, kinks and all) in the hope it would help convince people that those who live with mental illness are far more than their illnesses; they are wonderful, beautiful, extraordinary individuals who should never be labelled or stigmatised.

Eight years later, my blog is still going. It’s a little worse for wear, for sure, but then so am I. But no matter how hard life is, no matter how bad my inner turmoil, pain and confusion, I will continue writing this blog when I can. For I still believe in that mission statement I created all those years ago.

People are far more than their illnesses; they are wonderful, beautiful, extraordinary individuals who should never be labelled or stigmatised.

They should be free to live the life they deserve.

Should you wish to find out more about this magnificent (and totally worthwhile) endeavour,
you can discover all you need to know by visiting the Blog for Mental Health website.

Mi Recovery: Introduction

Following Acting Up, another group I have begun this year is called “Mi Recovery”. Of all the groups I have begun this term, this is the one I am most looking forward to undertaking.

Mi Recovery is a peer education program for people living with mental illness, offering a peer based approach to the complex issues faced by people with mental illness by combining challenges faced through the lived experience with up to date best practice research. The program adopts a holistic approach where a person can acknowledge their whole self rather than living ‘as their illness(es).’

As with some of my other groups, I have decided to share my experiences of the group on this blog, not merely to chronicle my progress but to share any information or strategies I learn in the hope that others may find them useful in their own journeys.

Given confidentiality is paramount, these posts will focus only on my personal experiences and journey, as discussing the health and wellbeing of others without their permission can have a devastating effect on recovery, trust and health.

Over the following ten weeks I am hoping that Mi Recovery will assist in the creation of new coping strategies, further refine existing coping skills and help remind me who I am and my place in the world.

Only time will tell whether I’m successful in these goals but, as always, I will be giving it my best! :)

“Recovery does not mean that one is ‘cured’ nor does it mean that one is simply stabilized or maintained in the community. Recovery often involves a transformation of the self, wherein one both accepts one’s limitations and discovers a new world of possibility.”
~ Patricia Deegan~

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Week 01: Theory on mental illness and factors that enable recovery.
Week 02: Reframing my Whole Self and Understanding Stigma.
Week 03: Treating myself.
Week 04: Planning for Recovery.
Week 05: Working with Relapse.
Week 06: Communication Skills and Strategies.
Week 07: Stigma, Discrimination, Rights and Advocacy.
Week 08: Making the most of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Week 09: Motivating purposeful activity.
Week 10: Review of recovery aspirations and program conclusion.