The most important thing to do when trying to survive a bad spell of mental health issues in your family is to take life one day at a time. There will be good days. There will be bad days. Hold on to the good moments and ride those good feelings as long as you can. Appreciate each moment and day together. Celebrate the small accomplishments, hold hands through the tough moments. Cry together. You cannot insist on life returning to normal when even the most basic daily tasks can be a huge burden or trial to your loved one. Prioritize the necessary things that need to get done and learn to be more flexible about the things that are not as pressing or immediate.
Our story with taking life one day at a time:
So I began the blog in January and I pick it up again today, a beautiful day in April. We have been taking life one day at a time since Z came home from the hospital in January. There have been celebrations and there have been trials, but here we are, just a few days before Easter. There has been a lot going on that has prevented me from blogging, but here I am, ready to pick it up again.
This aspect of life has been very difficult for me because I am a planner. I like to have a plan and to stick to it. Well, you can't stick to a plan when there is mental illness involved. I am learning to be more flexible than ever and that is the best thing for us right now.
We have made slow progress up until 2 weeks ago when Z transitioned back to work. Now he has regressed. Depression and anxiety popping up and out of control. We had to make a difficult decision this morning for him to resign from his job so he can continue on the path of healing. Right now the most important thing in our life together is his health. It means some sacrifices, sure, but they will be worth his improved mood.
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