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 my manic episodes.
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 •
• In October 2024 I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological 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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