My Coping Strategies

After posting my first blog, I was overwhelmed by the positive response to it. A HUGE Thank You to all of you for your encouragement and support, it makes sharing my Bipolar story and my coping strategies that wee bit easier.

Everyone's struggle with mental health is different. Bipolar is a life-changing illness but it is possible to have a breakthrough and recover as well as have a fulfilling life. Coping Strategies in Mental Health terms are things to do to keep your mind positive, reduce stress levels and sleep properly. Each person's coping strategies will be different.

The things that helped me cope the most during the 3 years of not understanding what was happening to me was talking to my family and friends about how I really felt and their love and support. Just having my Mum around to help and support me particularly when I was very unwell in hospital and when my daughter Sophie was a baby made all the difference. My friends encouraged me to go to toddler groups even in the days when I was depressed, still in my pyjamas and didn't want to go out. Ladies in my church group really helped me talk openly about my struggles, in an environment that was caring and supportive. Just knowing they were praying for me brought me much comfort and hope.

The turning point in my journey was when I was diagnosed by a Psychologist. During Counselling sessions my Psychologist helped me understand the condition, the symptoms and manage my life better for example, monitor my moods by keeping a diary of how I was feeling, identify triggers (early warning signs) of things that made me feel unwell (or have a relapse) and avoid situations or people that brought me down. My coping strategies for highs were to cut back on activities and not overdo things. Writing my thoughts in a journal helped me get negative thoughts out during lows. When I had Panic Attacks I learnt to breathe in and out slowly in a brown paper bag and to remember that it would pass. Painting with oils and acrylics helped me relax and express how I was feeling.

Having a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) who visited me at home for some years after the birth of son Nathan really made a huge difference. As I had to come off medication during the pregnancy, it was reassuring knowing that she understood my mental health. She helped me monitor my moods and cope with everyday stresses for example, writing my feelings down, doing some exercise and dealing with family life. I can honestly say her support prevented me from having a major relapse.

In my experience, the best coping strategies that were essential in my journey to recovery were: having a good routine of sleep, eating well, taking medication, relaxing and taking one day at a time, pushing myself to get out and do things and learning to not depend on others so much. 

Over the years I have learnt to appreciate the simple things in life and be content with what I have. I am incredibly blessed to have a wonderful family who I love dearly and are very special to me. I love watching a good movie together, going out for meals and travelling. I especially enjoy spending quality time with my daughter Sophie when she comes home from Uni. I thoroughly enjoy catching up with my close friends and having a laugh, as we say here in N.Ireland, 'a wee bit of craic', is the best medicine. I like nothing more than living in the countryside and getting out for walks with our dog Romeo, enjoying nature, trees, birds, animals and flowers, is the best therapy. If I feel stressed, reading good books and listening to Christian music uplifts and relaxes me. Having hobbies such as arts and crafts, writing poetry, supporting charities and making dresses for African children keep me busy and help me focus less on myself and care for others. These are just some of the things that enable me to have a fulfilling life today.

What helped me cope most through all my pain and suffering is to trust in God. From early childhood I was a very emotional and sensitive person but over recent years God has given me a positive mindset to react less to my feelings and take control over them. His word says that 'Anxiety in the heart of a man (woman) causes depression, but a good word makes it glad' (Proverbs 12:25). For me, having a close relationship with God and His Word to my heart is the best healing of all. His Word reminds me that 'I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength' (Phillippians 4:13). I care more about how God sees me than what people think about me.

I am thankful that I have been able to work as a Special Needs Assistant for over 12 years in different schools. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the children, they are a real blessing, I've learnt so much from them and they have shaped who I am today.

There are good strategies available today (which I haven't tried as I've been stable for many years) that can help and support people struggling with mental health for example, joining Support Groups, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Also, there are great charities including Rethink Mental Health, Aware NI, Action Mental Health, MindWise, Bipolar UK, Inspire Wellbeing which provide very useful information, support and you can read people's stories about their conditions. Here are some useful coping strategies if you are feeling low:

Source: Pinterest

If you are struggling with mental health I cannot express enough the importance of TALKING to someone how you 'REALLY' feel, either to a family member, a friend, GP or counsellor.

Just LET IT ALL OUT!!

I want to encourage you that your mental illness does not define you as a person. Keep going, never give up hope, things do get better, you can have a breakthrough and you will recover.

If you have a friend or family member who is struggling with mental health taking the time to ask them how they feel, listening, caring, being patient and kind can make a huge difference - they need your support through this painful journey. A smile and a hug can brighten up their day.

We all have the amazing ability to encourage one another. Together by talking about mental health and sharing our stories we can make a huge difference in our society, break stigma and reduce the Mental Health Crisis in our country today. Most importantly, together we can help someone who feels they are just surviving to thrive! 

Leanne x