Note: As part of my Day Program, I contribure to the program’s newsletter. In June 2021, that Newsletter transitoned to a monthly basis as much of the elements of the program are back to a in-person status.

I did not contribute sharable content in June, July or August 2023

Overall Wellness Matters

It’s been four weeks since I had my episode after not taking care of myself this summer. Over two months, while I was losing weight, my mental health was declining
rapidly.

When I was at my worst, to get better, I immediately realized that to make things right I had to be honest with everyone and be out in the open to the degrees I needed to with those that needed to know. It made me see that so many people cared about me and only wanted to see the best in me, and that was getting well again. That meant facing reality. Doing what was needed once and for all. Adhering to the medication regimen, because at that juncture, I realized for me it is a necessity.

Part of that was accepting that I had to forgo caffeine. Something I tried before
“cold turkey.” Having to take some time away from things to take care of myself, there was no better time to do it. For two days, I had headaches. Not being able to leave my home and taking Tylenol at the allottable doses made it able to be managed. Being at home got me cooking in the kitchen more than I ever have. Using devices
like toaster oven, George Foreman Grill and Air Fryer in addition to the stove.
And after all it wasn’t bad.

Eventually, within a few weeks, I got back to my old self. I got back out in the community, taking advantage of resources that were very helpful. One of those was a community lunch at a church in town. It got me out of the house and on my feet. It also gave me the segway to expand my food palate.

There I added Vegetable Beef soup to my palate for the first time in 38 years. This week at day program, I added Candied Carrots, something that once seemed impossible.

Now it is.

Common folklore is that it takes 21 days to make a habit. My home is the cleanest it has been in the three years since I’ve been in it. While my physical wellness is getting better. In a month’s time, it has not shown up on the scale at my weekly weight loss
support group. Because I am doing so much better than I was overall, I don’t let something like a number on the scale get to me. It will happen within time.

At the past meeting, I was awarded. “Mr. Inspiration” (the best weight loss) for the
previous month, before my episode. A moment like this, I could be disgusted, but I took it in stride because I know there will be better days on the horizon, and I needed the recognition as a confidence booster to know that better days are
ahead.

Things are and will get better, day by day and over time. This much I know! I am in a much better position than I was nearly a month ago and that is what matters!

When recovering from a Setback on Your Recovery Journey:

• Be patient. Work on things that need improvement.
• Getting back to “normal” is going to take time. Rushing into things isn’t ideal especially when elements and the environment are ripe for chal- lenging, uncertain or uncomfortable situations.
• Perfection is near uncertain in the beginning. Be patient and understand one’s needs.
• Give yourself grace.
• Give yourself space.
• Don’t ignore them when they say they can’t or are unready to return to work, programming or schooling. Easing in is the best practice for getting a “feel” to know how they react to things.
• Embrace your support system and treatment team, especially if they are supportive, caring and compassionate about helping you. Listen to feedback, heed their advice, consider their suggestions, but appropriately communicate your concerns with those who know you best.
• Lastly, take care of yourself, enjoy life to the fullest and breathe. It will be okay.