O - is for Obstacle

Picture for a moment a sporting event, no matter the sport there are obstacles in the way and there is a challenge to move around them in order to win the game or race.  It takes determination, practice, precision and most of all a dedication to what it will take to win.  So, you may ask what does this have to do with mental illness, well it takes that same determination and dedication to achieve stability despite the challenges that are placed in our way. 

When it comes to treatment my doctors consider me a challenge.  I have tried more medications than I could mention, not being able to take the majority due to side effects and my system being so sensitive.  I’ve had my psychiatrist sit and shake his head at me and smile, telling me I am a challenge.  I will take that as a compliment to him, as he has found ways to treat me that work and not give up because of my sensitivities.  Each medication or treatment that does not work is an obstacle I must overcome in order to stay healthy.

My diagnoses in itself is an obstacle, the initials or names may not mean much to people, but to me they make up part of who I am and why I do the things that I do.  I face the challenge of PTSD (Post-Traumtic Stress Disorder) because of years of abuse.  I have spent many years fighting to get back what was taken from me.  I have hope that I will find my way until then the wall is there and one brick at a time I am chipping away at it. 

Bipolar disorder and Anxiety create a world of havoc in my life that can last for days or weeks, even months at a time.  Each of these illnesses on their own can create chaos, put them together and the challenge can become monumental.  What is most important with these illnesses is learning the triggers, or obstacles that find their way into your life and cause the mood swings. 

Putting this all together into one single post is difficult, but in the end we are all the same.  We are each faced with challenges and obstacles on a daily basis that challenge us or make us doubt our choices.  It’s normal and with each obstacle we face we know that we become stronger as people and learn what we are truly capable of.

What are some of the challenges in your life?