I've found some meaning in life by volunteering in the women's jail. I co-lead a weekly support group there (with the head of the local mental health assoc.) & find that it makes me appreciate my life so much more. I'm so grateful I didn't end up involved in drugs (though I experimented a little when I was a teen, but it mostly made me more paranoid than I already was!). I did abuse alcohol until I got on the right meds & again, I'm lucky that I did no permanent damage to myself or my daughter who ended up a preemie due to alcohol abuse while pregnant.

I also lead several workshops for NAMI & speak to groups about mental illness through them. I hope it is helping to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

I'm by no means happy or satified with my life all the time (my recent overdose attests to that), but I'm trying to manage my illness & get a good quality of life. I've been given a second chance at life after my suicide attempts & I intend to work to the best of my ability to prevent future relapses. I know I can't control when my brain misfires, but there are some self-care activities that can help me each day to find some joy, or if not joy, at least quell some of the despair I feel sometimes.

Sorry this is so long. As Beth said sometimes just getting out of the house & feeling the sun can bring some relief. Writing also helps, at least for me. I feel this is a supportive environment to express yourself wherever you happen to be in your recovery.--Suzy