Mental Attitude. Improving Mental outlook: A personal testimony

It is no understatement to say that over the adult years of my life I have struggled with episodes of depression. On reflection the bouts of depression follow familiar themes. An Eminent Lawyer once said to me you have had a lot to be depressed about. This was especially so during those important formative teenage years; when my family split. attempts at molestation by people in authority. A major crisis of one form or another. Loss of job, illness, other adverse change in circumstances. These are some of the life tests which can jolt anxiety and depressive episodes. It has been only in the last ten years that It has been diagnosed that I suffer Bipolar disorder or Manic Depression. Something which on the one hand was a complete shock on the other it seemed why did it take so long to diagnose this. So technically I can be insane depending on the phase of this episodonic condition. I must say it is a bit like a Volcano to me this condition. To other sufferers it may be different. For instance I have not had a manic phase now for more than four years . Yet I have occasionally episodes of mild to deep depression in that time. Thank god for small mercies! I have come to realise that there are certain tell tale signs which will probably mean an episode is coming on. If I heed the warning then I can prevent of nip in the bud the onset of fully disabling acute phase of this condition.

The main things to look after are a bit like a diabetic monitoring their condition-lifestyle factors. Establishing a pattern so that you do get adequate sleep. Enough exercise so your body is tired and distressed from the daily grind of modern life. Not taking on too much or doing too little. Watching my diet. No alcohol. alcohol is like rocket fuel for mania. Adopting a positive philosophy and a set of values to stick by can help in keeping the train on the tracks.

As you know bookshops magazines and television programs Self-Help groups are littered with information on how to live a better life. For years I have been reading many to see what I like these are the ones I think would stand the test of time and really improve ones life.

What I have come to realise is what you give comes back all the time, no matter what. You are the one that defines your own life. Do not let others write your script they would not like you defining theirs right? . Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power. So it is better to forgive and give oneself peace. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you. I spent many many years worrying about all and sundry. I can tell you worry did little but exhaust me mentally physically & emotionally. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you believe.
If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.) The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.
Failure is a signpost to turn you in another direction. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart. Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn't lie.
Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter. Let passion drive your profession. Love doesn't hurt. It feels really good. Every day brings a chance to start over.