Wise words
Before sleep
When you are unwell,
are your experiences still valid or authentic?
When in ‘wellness reality’ they don't reflect what you believe to be the true you?
Nurse Jenny has wise words before sleep.
"Every day is valid and authentic for you in that time and place.
But it will always be a process of reflection and acceptance that you're actions were founded in reason,
it's just that the reason was your illness.”
I showed her profile photos,
from deactivated Facebook accounts.
Capturing my essence during hypomanic times.
She smiled and said, “They are wonderful and reflect your valid and authentic experience.
You can learn to cherish them because of this and it will help you accept.
Make sure to keep them Pauline.
You can park them in the filing cabinet of your mind.
Retrieve them when you are better able to appreciate,
ALL that is you.”
• Photos taken 20 April 2012 •
• My diagnosis: Bipolar 1 (Rapid Cycling) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder •
Pauline Fountain. © 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the author.
About the Creator
Pauline Fountain
Writing and photography provide a creative outlet to reflect with meaning on my life.
My mental health? Bipolar 1 (Rapid Cycling), Complex PTSD and Functional Neurological Disorder.
My son’s gentle wisdom furnishes me with the gift of hope.
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Comments (10)
🙌☺️ Acceptance is key, as they say. Love this little slice of life!
I think that until society at large can view mental health differences without prejudice, people experiencing these things will find it difficult to accept it in themselves. I think being honest and open is a big step in the right direction. It is brave to put this out there :) good on you!
Learning to accept ourselves as a whole isn't easy, but clearly, you are doing it! I'm CPTSD too. Kudos to you and nurse Jenny too.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us in this form
Absolutely wonderful poem, Pauline! You have made so much progress and that is so inspiring :)
You know, I love photos like these! It's like an evidence that not all times are bad times. Makes me feel very hopeful. Loved your poem!
You opened up the poem with a powerful question. I love the candid poem Pauline, and I'm glad I read it 😊
I understand hypomanic behavior very well. My mom struggles with it. She is 86 years old, completely blind, and in the advanced stages of dementia so when the hypomanic activity hits her it is extremely severe and can last up to five days. Sometimes she will go without sleep for 40 hours. I can totally understand and sympathize with you. Like you my mom has a son that gives her hope - I know because Iam that son. Your son will always be there for you.
Pauline I love this poem. I am so proud of you for the progress you have made on your journey and think you for the honesty you have shared with us
Well done!!! Wise words and positive thoughts!!!❤️❤️💕