Tag Archive | creativity and depression

Aide memoire

My memo-board

My memo-board

One of my current bug bears is my confused and dis-organised thinking and this is particularly vexing to a person who is usually extremely organised and able to multi-task without a problem.

It is frustrating and incredibly hard to deal with on a daily basis and when I start to forget things it’s time to take action. Yesterday I forgot my hair appointment but luckily my hairdresser was able to fit me in later in the morning. Paul understands my condition, and I had a lovely 30 minutes of “me” time whilst I had my hair washed and conditioned (a good 2 minutes of head massage……bliss) a cup of coffee and a good chin-wag about football whilst he tidied me up.

Afterwards I made my way to the quilting shop and bought some goodies to make my memo-board as suggested by Colleen, the idea being that I write 1 task on a post-it note with the “to-do”deadline date and attach it to the left side of the board. Each day I take the urgent tasks and move them to the right-hand side of the board to do today. As I complete each task, I can dispose of the note with satisfaction of  a “JD” (job done).

I chose the material I fancied and then scoured the charity shops for a canvas to up-cycle and finally came across a brand new one for the grand sum of £1. It was even still in its original packaging so even if I messed up, it was still a bargain buy!

It didn’t take me long to make the board and I am now the proud owner of an item which is hanging on my kitchen wall, covered in post-it notes reminding me what I need to do over the next few weeks.

JD.

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Butterflies and Bows

This week has been a real struggle and my emotions have swung from a complete melt-down on Monday, when I truly thought I was heading for hospital in-patient treatment to a mini-high on Wednesday when I thought I’d cracked this latest episode of depression only to dip again yesterday. Depression can be a roller-coaster of a ride and I have certainly experienced the very lows and some mediocre highs over the last few days.

I have committed myself to going back to work on Monday. I am not 100% yet but I have to make the effort and start to get back into routine. It will be tough. Very tough, but fortune favours the brave and I am determined to challenge this illness as best I can and I need to be back with my friends and colleagues.

In the meantime, I have been trying  very hard not to sleep during the day in preparation for the long days ahead. I have kept busy without exerting myself too much and although I feel exhausted, I know I must not give in to the fatigue without a fight. A regular sleeping pattern must be established if I am to return to work successfully so no midday naps allowed!

Instead, card making has taken priority today, and another design inspired from an article in Craft Stamper.

Butterflies and Bows.

Butterflies and Bows

Butterflies and Bows

Gorgeous.

Broken Light Collective

Broken Light Collective 

 ” We are photographers living with, or affected by, mental illness; supporting each other one photograph at a time”

What a wonderful idea and there are not only some gorgeous photos but some very humbling and moving stories written about people living with and recovering from mental illness.

Take a look.