I've started adding gems just so the novelty doesn't wear off.
The anchor one has most meaning.
First because I ordered myself one as a bracelet with the word 'hope' a few days before my hospital admission. I haven't worn it yet.
Second, because I have been trying to think of a way that I can visualise 'protective factors'. The best I have thought of so far, is as anchors; things that help hold me down and help give me stabiliy through the storm.
Work/my identity as a #nurse is one of my biggest anchors
and I no longer feel the need to justify or explain that (and believe me I have been challenged to numerous times over the last few months).
So anyway. This leads to another subject. I WENT BACK TO WORK TODAY 🥳. Well it was more of a showing my face and that I am alive, but
Today is 100 days since I was first admitted to hospital after taking a mixed overdose. I won't elaborate further.
Since then I have had 3 admissions; 2 to general wards and 1 to a #mentalhealth unit. I spent time as an informal patient and also detained under Section 3 1/21
I was under #Crisis services until last week...
Today is also the first night in 99 that I am spending alone, so to occupy myself and acknowledge the 'milestone', I thought I would reflect on 10 things that I have learnt in that time...
This comes with trigger warnings 2/21
As I will be speaking about #SelfHarm and #Suicide. I also apologise in advance for any poor grammer - I am typing this out on my phone, unable to use a key board.
These are just my own experiences/thoughts/opinions - they are not meant to be generalised. Nor are they based 3/21