Mental Health （2017-03-17)

It has been a while since I last wrote a blog entry. Can you blame me? So much as happened to me and with me involved. Sometimes my life seems like a movie, I am definitely the main character in it. I can be in control of the plot sometimes and sometimes I am taken by surprise. This past few month the latter has dominated.

I guess the biggest change since arriving to Australia is my mental health. I was officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder on Jan 12, 2017. This comes right after I was admitted to the hospital and put on a compulsory treatment order. I stayed in the hospital for about 1 month and a half and was finally discharged at the end of February, (To be honest I knew I had this condition since 9 month ago in Canada, but I have been able to manage it myself, but the change in environment and success in all sectors of my life really pushed me to a hypermanic state)

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness affecting about 2% of the population. It is a combination of depression and manic states. For a period of time I am on top of the world and take on many projects. But when the high drops, I am rolling around in bed feeling lethargic.

Luckily I had a super supportive network of family and friends. (My mom and dad came over from Canada, not to mention Izzy who visited me everyday while I was in hospital). I am really blessed all things considered. Even though I have not thought as much prior to writing this post.

My thoughts since discharge has always been: "WHY ME!", "THIS IS LITERALLY THE WORST THING" etc etc. But now reflecting on the experience I really am THANKFUL I came out of the hospital so quickly and smoothly. Along the way I learned a lot about myself and my mental states, new coping strategies such as meditation etc.

My work at foodora has also been super supportive, they offered me temporary part time as I readjust back to civilian life. I have been back to work since March 14th. I think I need to ask for some more time off because I don't want to jeopardize my own recovery plan with regards to my illness.

That is it for now I will update more as this is good for my recovery. Perhaps it can help someone with the same condition.

The view from the bench

Another bed, I moved around a lot

Tried to learn some guitars

Awesome bench where I relax a lot for Jack time

Art studio

Breakfast

My bed

Daily therapy sessions inside the hospital.

Free bouldering wall in Melbourne with my bike in the shot.

P.S. Just remembered a really good quote from my friend Andrew who said:

"Problems never go away, we just upgrade problems."
"With great responsibilities come great power"

Peace from Melbourne.

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Originally written March 17th.