Taking control back from mental illness. Could a personal directive buy you time in a mental health crisis? It just might…
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I’m not ashamed to admit that I have suffered from mental health issues. In fact, I’ve had more than my fair share of them. If I’m honest — I’m quite lucky to still be alive to write this article. The most profound and necessary tool I have utilized in mental health self-education and my recovery journey, I’m going to share with you — in the hope that others may benefit. One of my mental health wellness tools, “a personal directive” has been a saving grace in my life. Informally, I have had an advanced directive for a couple of years. The concept is free and easy. It’s a personal documented plan, and it’s all about caring for you.
Mental health research indicates that “positive self-talk” can assist mental health and wellbeing. So, what would mentally WELL you want to say to UNWELL you that could make a positive impact on your life during a crisis? If you were in the depths of despair, what would you want to hear? When you’re unwell it’s rare that you can be one hundred per cent sure of your own mind, thus impeding your ability for considered decision making. So, what if you devised your own care plan (in advance) in case disaster strikes? Think of it as akin to a first aid kit or free insurance policy.
This doesn’t need to be a book length project; it may be a checklist, but in my experience it helps to have guidance and direction in how to move forward in times of mental health crisis. Preventative strategies on coping or staying well such as medication, mindfulness and diet may also be incorporated. Make note of your triggers, like stress for example which can compound instability. Early warning signs (including inability to sleep) should also charted, along with contacts for where to go if you need help and any current medications you require. Are there things that should best be avoided in desperate hours? Like depressants — alcohol for example. Be honest with yourself and put that down to.
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In my personal experience I have found it imperative to have doctors and consulting specialists numbers on hand as part of my plan. You could also include a 24 hour free counselling service. Write this document, to and for yourself, and include networks of support you can call on when times are tough. Answer the ‘big ticket items’ in your life like who shall care for any dependents with pre-planning in conjunction with the third party (include the pets if need be). In my experience it will take a load off an already foggy mind if you requite respite. If you don’t have anyone to turn to — phone a friend — you’d do it for a million bucks, so you SHOULD do it your life depended on it. This deafening silence is literally killing men who are going undiagnosed and untreated.
Once your direct action plan has been written- try issuing yourself a letter from “well you” to “sick you” about why you want to move down the recovery path. Mine includes the way I feel about the world when I am well; the incredible things there are to live for and the amazing aspects of my life I hold so dearly (friends and family included). The personal directive can be written in a hope for the best but plan for the worst context, which I urge others to consider writing. If by reading this article one person does and it comes a time when it helps them down the path to recovery, my efforts in writing this have been fruitful.
My personal advanced directive has quite literally been a life saver, which is why I am so compelled to share it with you. It’s not rocket science, but it is surprising how many people it’s never occurred to create one. It’s just one small step towards taking back the control that mental illness can exert. Suicide is a permanent solution to often very temporary problems. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please get help immediately and choose life. Because one day you will look back on a moment life could have ended, and realize all the important things you would have missed. That day you’ll realize that all the pain of reaching out, was truly worth it. So if we take that first step to look after ourselves, there is still hope that the day will come again, when life is beautiful again, as it should be.
Disclaimer: This article is recommended as a reference tool and only to be used secondary to professional advice and assistance.
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Photo credit: Kevin Dooley/flickr