Officially Discharged!

This morning it was back to "normal" (or what passes for normal round here)! The Wonderspouse brought my tea in bed, I took him to the bus, and then came home to get ready for an appointment.

I was still very tired, so set the alarm clock and dozed on the sofa to the news. The alarm woke me and I set off for my LAST appointment with the job lady (or employment specialist - which is her official job title).

So, my time attending the mental health day hospital is officially at an end for the time being. I was able to give the job lady the good news that I have a college place to do my CELTA, and I agreed to e-mail her and let her know how it was all going once I start the course. She's been extremely helpful to me, and I'm happy to keep in touch.

It feels like the end of an era. In this place I've had regular appointments with my shrink, my CPN, another CPN who specialises in CBT, the job lady, a benefits advisor, and various other psychologists etc. for the last 2 years now. Today was the last appointment. I am now officially discharged from here - well, under the care of just my GP, and out in the big wide world again.

I've learned so much in the last 2 years. It seems odd to be "well" again now (although I still have my medication, I still do a daily mood diary, and I still use the strategies I've acquired to keep myself well). When I first went to this place I was a mess, not coping, and in need of help. Now I'm more confident, more healthy, and ready to resume a good and productive life again. It feels like a massive change.

Of course, my support team are all there for me in case I need them again - with bipolar disorder you never know when the next manic or depressive episode may strike - but for the time being, I'm discharged!

After my appointment I popped into Sainsbury's to get a few bits, then came home to catch up on some sleep. After a nap I started to unpack everything from the Wales trip, gave the rat cage a clean & spent some time playing with the boys, and then changed the bedding, did some washing, and sorted out some stuff in the house.

I was due to go to the Wonderspouse's reading gig tonight, but decided against it since I'm tired from the trip and have a lot to catch up on. Now I'm just waiting for him to call and I'll collect him from the bus. He's also intending to bring Chinese takeaway home with him!

Nice! :-)