Selfies and Yummy Muffins

   I've not quite been home for a week and I seem to be settling in to "normal" life again. It is strange to go from such a controlled environment to complete freedom. It is a bit of a culture shock. In order to protect the patients and privacy, there are no phones or personal computers allowed on the psychiatric unit. Having no contact with the outside world was one of the biggest adjustments.
   I never realized just how much time I spent on my phone or in front of the computer. At the beginning, I felt like I had lost my best friend. Now I am quite happy to putter around the house and skip the screen time. (Though I have to say I really missed out on all the Instagram applecheeks cuteness).
   Now that I am home, I hope to focus on what matters... My family. I admit I've taken a few shameless selfies since my return to reality, but hey, who doesn't love a good selfie?? I am sad to say that I missed out on precious moments with my kids as I endlessly refreshed facebook or email. I learned from my psychiatrist to ask myself, "Five years from now, will this matter?". Time is precious and I don't want to waste it on the things that don't matter!
    That said, I have enjoyed cooking, baking, and even cleaning. It is nice to be in my own domain. We've enjoyed some delicious treats as a result. Today's new recipe was for banana-strawberry muffins. They were a hit with everyone and they are nut-free, so they are school lunch friendly. The link for the recipe is:  http://ldylvbgr.blogspot.ca/2008/09/strawberry-banana-chocolate-chip.html Enjoy!
    Hug you kids, put down the phone, turn off the TV and enjoy those moments that fly by oh so quickly.

                                                 Shameless Mommy & me selfie                            
                 

                                                            Oh so yummy muffins!

The Stigma

  Hi all! I know I've been off here for a long time. I've been sick. I have spent the last 10 weeks in the hospital. Now here's the kicker... I've been on the psychiatric floor, because I have a mental illness. Did your opinion of me just change? I know I am guilty of stigmatizing mental illness. I think we all do, but I hope I can do my part to change that stigma.
   If I had been in hospital with a bad heart, or an infection, or needing surgery, no one would hesitate to pop in and say hello. My visitors were few and far between in the last 10 weeks. Because I was on the psych ward, it became awkward for people to stop by. I understand, but it was still hard. I am still Melanie. I just needed a mental tune-up.
   As an ER nurse, I passed judgement on the mental health staff and patients alike. I no longer look down of either of them. I owe my life to the physicians and nurses and therapists on the psych ward. These men and women worked tirelessly to ensure my safety. When I thought there was no hope and I would never recover, they held my hand, hugged me and told me to be patient and recovery would come. They cheered for me when I had my first successful day pass and overnight pass.
   I am happy to say that I am nearing the end of my in-hospital treatment. I am looking forward to being at home with my family for good. I will have to continue with therapy for awhile and I still have a lot of work to do before I'm "cured". I am going to make it my personal crusade to change the stigma around mental illness. I'd be willing to bet there are many people out there who have a story like mine.