#ITSOKAYTOTALK - Mental Illness

How has your day been so far @RainstormZA ? how's the study for the N+ coming?
I decided to take a day off and carry on over the weekend. You mean the Security+? Yeah I'm making some good progress though, I've found a easier way to study and run stimulation tests in between subjects.

I harvested some garden herbs to dry in the oven and distill the dried matter into pg for natural soap making - both for scent and colouring.

It's Christmas gifts for the family. The glycerin melt N pour soap per kg is very cheap so I'm gonna grab the opportunity while I can as I've always wanted to make soap for a long time now.

Seeing I can get a lot of 100g soap bars, I'll send a few to my uncle and his gf too.

There's a 1 month old baby, four young kids under 6, my two brothers and their wives. Plus my mother.

I'm avoiding my stepdad, he's not been in a good mood lately. And the dog entertains me big time - she's 15 and still loves to play.

Thanks for asking @Dela Rey Steyn
 
It has been too long, I forget to check this forum as I no longer vape, so I am catching up on this thread. It has great to see it is still being used to share...
 
Finally got my meds down to the volumes where a change-over would be minimal and seeing a new psychiatrist tomorrow. This time I have a psychologist report to back up my treatment plan, so it should go well. Been rough scaling down my meds, but I think it will have been worth it in the end.
 
Been doing the "healthy body, healthy mind" thing for about five weeks now. Seems to work as I've been able to keep the dog at bay despite some setbacks that would have gotten to me otherwise.

Lost six kilo's in the same period. A lot more energy and feeling rather optimistic overall.

Not actually working hard at it. Just making sure I do at least 10 000 steps a day (Averaging about 13K), half an hour to an hour light exercise per day (Five day's a week) and watching those carbs.

Really great returns for minimal effort. Endorphins are a great anti depressant and free to boot.

Regards

P.S. Anyone using the Fitbit app?
 
Been doing the "healthy body, healthy mind" thing for about five weeks now. Seems to work as I've been able to keep the dog at bay despite some setbacks that would have gotten to me otherwise.

Lost six kilo's in the same period. A lot more energy and feeling rather optimistic overall.

Not actually working hard at it. Just making sure I do at least 10 000 steps a day (Averaging about 13K), half an hour to an hour light exercise per day (Five day's a week) and watching those carbs.

Really great returns for minimal effort. Endorphins are a great anti depressant and free to boot.

Regards

P.S. Anyone using the Fitbit app?
Yeah I ran into a problem. Slowly but surely I was getting put off by animal products. First started with the eggs, everyone started joking saying it's because they're from our own hens but I have no problem with them in other foods like banana bread or savoury meals like baked quiches or muffins.

Then the bacon made it to my despised food list. Now it's meat except tinned tuna.

I went and got a bunch of fruit and veggies on special. Made myself a carrot and orange smoothie - couldn't believe how good it tastes. I have a big tub of fruit salad to eat from and frozen pineapples for those hot days.

Thinking of doing a veggie stir-fry for dinner tomorrow night.

And it feels good to go 95% meat free and low carb. I'm not even craving bread at all.
 
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Been doing the "healthy body, healthy mind" thing for about five weeks now. Seems to work as I've been able to keep the dog at bay despite some setbacks that would have gotten to me otherwise.

Lost six kilo's in the same period. A lot more energy and feeling rather optimistic overall.

Not actually working hard at it. Just making sure I do at least 10 000 steps a day (Averaging about 13K), half an hour to an hour light exercise per day (Five day's a week) and watching those carbs.

Really great returns for minimal effort. Endorphins are a great anti depressant and free to boot.

Regards

P.S. Anyone using the Fitbit app?
Aaand! I forgot the most important part. Getting into a steady sleep routine. Aiming at seven hours a night and almost getting there.

IMG_0536.PNG
Regards
 
Finally got my meds down to the volumes where a change-over would be minimal and seeing a new psychiatrist tomorrow. This time I have a psychologist report to back up my treatment plan, so it should go well. Been rough scaling down my meds, but I think it will have been worth it in the end.

That is great new @Viper_SA :wink: I know it has been a rough journey for you but I am really glad that you stuck it out! Please keep us updated as much as possible...
 
Been doing the "healthy body, healthy mind" thing for about five weeks now. Seems to work as I've been able to keep the dog at bay despite some setbacks that would have gotten to me otherwise.

Lost six kilo's in the same period. A lot more energy and feeling rather optimistic overall.

Not actually working hard at it. Just making sure I do at least 10 000 steps a day (Averaging about 13K), half an hour to an hour light exercise per day (Five day's a week) and watching those carbs.

Really great returns for minimal effort. Endorphins are a great anti depressant and free to boot.

Regards

P.S. Anyone using the Fitbit app?

I have almost preached this for a few years after learning how much exercise, diet, rest, social interaction, etc. affects my mental state after separating from and then getting divorced from my now ex wife. I have my ups and downs and still struggle with adequate rest which has a huge affect on my mental state but I am at least a lot more aware of it and the effect it has on me. I exercise a few times a week, mountain biking on weekends, weight training at gym during the week and walking with my girlfriend and rescue cocker spaniel during the week. During the week, with the exception of dinners, I eat a somewhat strict diet that has plenty of vegetables, meat and only brown rice for carbs. I try get in to bed at a reasonable time so I get 8 hours of sleep before I wake up at 05:30 and try meditate as much as possible although it has been a challenge this year.

It is still a challenge at times but I am in a far better place than I was a few years ago and I will continue to 'preach' the benefits of looking after yourself from a diet, exercise, social interaction, sunlight, rest, etc. point of view and it's benefits.

P.S. Forgot to add, I use an iPhone, so use their built in Health and Activity app in combination with my Apple Watch and then Strava when I am on my bike.
 
Yeah I ran into a problem. Slowly but surely I was getting put off by animal products. First started with the eggs, everyone started joking saying it's because they're from our own hens but I have no problem with them in other foods like banana bread or savoury meals like baked quiches or muffins.

Then the bacon made it to my despised food list. Now it's meat except tinned tuna.

I went and got a bunch of fruit and veggies on special. Made myself a carrot and orange smoothie - couldn't believe how good it tastes. I have a big tub of fruit salad to eat from and frozen pineapples for those hot days.

Thinking of doing a veggie stir-fry for dinner tomorrow night.

And it feels good to go 95% meat free and low carb. I'm not even craving bread at all.

Any particular reason animal products put you off?
 
Not really strange, tastes can change as we get older.
Thanks, that makes sense. The only thing I can stomach is scrambled eggs but that's like once a month. And then eggs to make custard is awesome - good old fashioned egg custard. My mom is the same but not with taste, only smell. Mine is both.

I used to hate muesli, now I love it toasted with honey and nuts. I guess it's my body's way of getting me to eat better.
 
Thanks, that makes sense. The only thing I can stomach is scrambled eggs but that's like once a month. And then eggs to make custard is awesome - good old fashioned egg custard. My mom is the same but not with taste, only smell. Mine is both.

I used to hate muesli, now I love it toasted with honey and nuts. I guess it's my body's way of getting me to eat better.

You learn as you get older what your body needs and what makes your feel healthier. It is not the same for everyone, my preference is for LCHF foods.
 
I have almost preached this for a few years after learning how much exercise, diet, rest, social interaction, etc. affects my mental state after separating from and then getting divorced from my now ex wife. I have my ups and downs and still struggle with adequate rest which has a huge affect on my mental state but I am at least a lot more aware of it and the effect it has on me. I exercise a few times a week, mountain biking on weekends, weight training at gym during the week and walking with my girlfriend and rescue cocker spaniel during the week. During the week, with the exception of dinners, I eat a somewhat strict diet that has plenty of vegetables, meat and only brown rice for carbs. I try get in to bed at a reasonable time so I get 8 hours of sleep before I wake up at 05:30 and try meditate as much as possible although it has been a challenge this year.

It is still a challenge at times but I am in a far better place than I was a few years ago and I will continue to 'preach' the benefits of looking after yourself from a diet, exercise, social interaction, sunlight, rest, etc. point of view and it's benefits.

P.S. Forgot to add, I use an iPhone, so use their built in Health and Activity app in combination with my Apple Watch and then Strava when I am on my bike.

And I am still learning...

The last few nights I have not slept well at all, mostly due to early morning thundershowers keeping me awake and last night as I had a whisky too many. I know that sleep affects my mental state, so today I am not in the best place but luckily I am cognisant of this and do my best to manage it during the day. I don't always succeed, my Mediterranean temper gets the better of me some times but I soldier on as best I can...
 
And I am still learning...

The last few nights I have not slept well at all, mostly due to early morning thundershowers keeping me awake and last night as I had a whisky too many. I know that sleep affects my mental state, so today I am not in the best place but luckily I am cognisant of this and do my best to manage it during the day. I don't always succeed, my Mediterranean temper gets the better of me some times but I soldier on as best I can...
Same here , not sleeping well for the last three nights.
 
Aaand! I forgot the most important part. Getting into a steady sleep routine. Aiming at seven hours a night and almost getting there.

View attachment 152313
Regards
Never underestimate a good night's sleep with regular sleep routine .

I've had 8 hours total sleep this week and can feel things are fraying at the seams.
 
Telling the big boss he can find another dishcloth, this one realises unemployment is better than working for a doos. Still awaiting his answer. Joke is I meant it.

Regards

Yeah thats blowing your top right there,

I once sat down with my boss after a college and i fought(lots of loud adult words), we spoke about my frustrations and why the event happened and we spoke frank...... a week later i was dismissed after hearings and blah blah blah.

Moral of the story is i dont regret it cause it took me out of my comfort zone i was stuck in with a bunch of unless uneducated pricks.
 
Ouch. When I was working for this prick, one of his ***** workers caused trouble and he sided with her despite the supervisor stating it wasn't my fault.

I said to him he's not the nice person that I grew up with and that he has become this bitter @ssh0le that is unpleasant to work for. Then I walked out of the job. Three days later he asked me if I would come back and I said no. He has known me from when I was 10 til in my late 20's. Never ever went back and got a better paying job a few months later.
 
Hi all, thought I'd pop in and say "Hi". Having a bit of a bad day, as my late father would have turned 73 today and I can't believe he's been gone for 12 years. The festive season generally gets to me, but I thought today, instead of complaining and such, I'd rather give thanks for what IS right in my life.
I'm lucky to have a mother that loves me, a father in heaven watching over me, the best dog in the world and shelter and food. I thank Lord Jesus for giving me strength to face each new day and even though some days I barely make it to my evening meds and go to bed at 18:00, it's still a victory. I'm just over 2 months sober, and proud of myself for having the courage to quit drinking again.

May all of you find the strength to make it through today and stand triumphant at the end of it.
Much blessings
 
That is awesome news @Viper_SA

I bought some stuff for a photo shoot and a small bottle of spiced gold rum was one of the items.

I was not even tempted to take a sip, knowing I would lose control. I put it in my dad's alcohol cupboard and forgot about it. Kept the chocolate and mint candies.

It takes a lot of courage to avoid things that can have a negative impact the most.

I find I'm much happier working in the garden like I did this week, with my happy flowers blooming in large masses.

Here's a few to share - my Zephyr rain lilies.

IMG-20181213-WA0013.jpeg IMG-20181213-WA0011.jpeg IMG-20181213-WA0002.jpeg
 
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