18 mths since breakdown, still recovering

[Papayalady]

Hello, hello. So I had a breakdown in early summer 2017 and I've still a long way to go. I lost my job as a result of my symptoms (unsupportive employer) and I'm now living on a settlement payout and applying for benefits. I can't commit to much - even meeting someone for a coffee - as my health is so unpredictable. I can't work as I lose focus really easily. I have a mortgage and I'm single. It's pretty tough right now.
I could do with hearing about people's stories of getting through recovery and how you adjusted your life around your mental health issues.
Thanks folks x

Hi Hun, my breakdown was over 11 years ago but I relive it everyday. I was so poorly for about 3 years after my break without help from meds or therapy, I didn't even know what was wrong with me. I thought I had psychosis, that's how I felt. Anyway, I still have bad days (today being one) I found the best thing you can do for your own recovery is research. Find out everything you can about what is physically happening, why it's happening and accept it. Having the knowledge definitely helped me x

Sorry Mrsbrooks1 that you're still suffering with bad days and memories - goes to show that recovery isn't a matter of months or even years. I had to take meds as I had to work initially. Without them, I just wasn't operating.
I'm pretty well versed on what's happening. I'm still trying to recognise the triggers, and how I can rebuild my life without relapsing .

I'm pretty much same time from a breakdown. It was initially from a relationship breakdown. I'm still not the same now tbh. I think maybe I had some kind of manic episode due to trauma. I'm still processing everything.

Life is still pretty shit and I barely cope. Hopefully I will heal with time. I don't have good support, can't even hope to gain any, I'll have to power on through. The only people I have in my life are equally as damaged or seek to manipulate me.

I'm not dead though, I feel slightly stronger, progress I guess.

Really sorry, IsSheWeird, that you're going through it also. Have you got any support groups on your area? I've found one for people with chronic fatigue/ anxiety/ depression. I haven't gone yet but I need to make an effort.
All I know is that I'm slowly recovering. And I have to remind myself one day I'll be much better. But I agree that support is so important. Especially on the bad days.

I had a breakdown about 20 years ago when I was a teen. I've had bouts of anxiety and depression many times since, but never as bad as that first time. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to help yourself get better. I would definitely go to the support group. My experiences of group therapy have been positive. It takes time, but you will get better. And you will learn so much about yourself along the way. I am definitely a kinder and more empathetic person because of what I've been through. You will find positives in this yourself one day.

Thank you Onlyinanemergency for your encouragement. Right now, it feels as if it's going to last forever. How long was it before you started to feel more like yourself?
I feel it's changed me too. I've been re-evaluating everything - my career (or lack of right now), relationships, my idea of what's fun. You name it.

After my breakdown it took about a year to start feeling better and another year before I was completely back on my feet. These days I can see anxiety and depression coming a mile off and usually have time to change things in my life or take steps to avoid them. The more you learn about your triggers and identify what helps you feel better the more equipped you'll be to deal with anything that comes along in the future.