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Stories Submitted thoughts and stories A bit about Pru
Stories Submitted thoughts and stories A bit about Pru
A bit about Pru |
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activism | bipolar disorder (manic depression) | female | medication | peer support (informal) and befriending | pets | self knowledge/learning/growth | self management | supportive spouse/partner | volunteering
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Author: Pru Davies Published: 22 March 2006 In this story Pru talks about what helped her on her personal recovery journey including her pets, the support of her family and her involvement with See Me campaign. When I think of the past two decades which encompass for the large part the wilderness years, the lost years, let me take you on a journey. “Why me?” is a question I have often asked. There I was, aged 25, in the prime of my life when like a bolt out of the blue I was struck down by this debilitating illness. A mental health problem is always something that you think happens to other people, or actors in films, but never to yourself. Kay Jamieson is a favourite author of mine who has written about her own journey living and coping with manic depression. Her book “The Unquiet Mind” is a very good read and I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the subject or who suffers or knows of someone who has the illness. I tend to have more of a “manic” personality and don’t often slide down the dark railroad of depression. It makes for a life that could be considered to be never dull especially for those close to you. With the right medication I am able to live life to the full, as long as I remember to take breaks when I feel I may have done too much. One of the major things is the endless energy that I have lived with for years and the ability to do countless things at once. I am also a very sociable animal and enjoy the company of my pals, although I have to say as I’ve got older, more mellow, I actually like to have “my own time” to chill with Tiggy and Mischa the two pussycats that dominate my life. Moving to Glasgow almost thirteen years ago now with Hugh, my husband and the rock that I depend on, is the best thing that could have happened to both of us. Hugh went on to start his own business and then later became involved as a carer in working with others to set up a carer’s forum giving a voice to those who we really need to listen to. Now he is Acting-Chair of the Mental Health Network (Greater Glasgow). I have been involved with mental health working as a volunteer for some years now and it is a passion of mine to make sure that no-one has to go through the years of mental torture that I endured before coming to Scotland. Being involved with the Mental Health Network is very important to me and has opened lots of doors and given me opportunities that I may never have had. That includes being an ambassador for the See Me campaign to abolish stigma in mental health and having the opportunity to appear in all forms of media, print, radio and television. My enthusiasm and endless energy have helped me to conquer some of my greatest fears. Remember every one of us is an individual and special and has something to offer that is unique. If you’d like to share your thoughts or experiences of recovery then contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0141 240 7790 to discuss. Click here to go back to previous page |
Story Tags
activism community/socialising/inclusion coping strategies creativity depression employment (+) exercise female hospital male medication medication (-) peer support (informal) and befriending seeing things differently self knowledge/learning/growth self management sense of self support from family support from friends support from mental health professionals supportive spouse/partner taking control talking therapies voluntary mental health services volunteering Story disclaimer
The stories presented here are for information only. They are meant to inspire hope and show that recovery can and does happen. The stories highlight various examples of recovery and we do not advocate any of these experiences as the ‘right’ way to recover. Recovery is an individual and unique process, each person must decide for himself or herself what will work for them. Please carefully consider any decisions you make about your own recovery and consult with someone you trust if you feel unsure. See our Submit Your Thoughts pages for details on how to submit a story to us or you can contact us.
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