[Notdamooma]

Just got released from the hospital. You know how when someone goes to rehab they say don't go back to the same environment when you get out? Well they should say the same for us. I am sitting here alone, bored, depressed, with only my mind for company. Can't go anywhere, weather sucks, I refuse to watch tv anymore or play computer games which i found out weren't good for me anyway. So any suggestions? I felt so good in the hospital because I was surrounded by like minded people who understood and I come home to a husband who doesn't get it and an 18 year old daughter who sleeps all day. Help! Before I drive myself back to the hospital.

[tnlibrarian]

No advice but I know what you mean. When I left for the hospital I had a very supportive family who seemed to care. When I came out my parents were pissed that I "let" myself be diagnosed as bipolar and pretty much said my husband gaslighted me, which was a total lie. If it hadn't been for my husband I would have been alone. My only suggestion is to get out as soon as you can and seek out places where you can meet people and make friends.

[faerie_moon_x]

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I Know what you mean, though, that your husband doesn't get it. Mine doesn't get it either. I've not been hospitalized but it sure would be nice to have some support sometimes. I think that when you are diagnosed with a chronic illness, your family should be made to take classes on what to expect.

Like where I work at the diabetes education center lots of people say, "I need to bring my husband/wife, is that okay?" And we say of course! But then a lot of people say "oh, he/she would never come with me." That makes me sad.

I'm sorry you're having a rough time

[Seaswept]

Hi,

I get what you mean I was released from hospital in October and have been thinking about checking myself back in (for depression).

When I got home everyone here seemed to think everything was going to go right back to normal. I'm still depressed, stupidly gave up my position at work and now feel like I can't do or handle anything.

I'm lonely but have been isolating. My kids are like- just go do something whats the matter with you? husband sorta gets it but not really.

Wh

[manicminer]

Hobby, hobby, hobby. Find something you can do, whether its alone or with others, that is interesting, mentally stimulating, time consuming, even simply distracting to you. Something to occupy your mind and, if at all possible, body. Something on the creative end of things can also be used as a way for you to express your feelings and emotions and also to gauge your progress on the road to recovery.

For example, I find hunting and shooting sports as a great hobby. Its mentally, visually, and physically stimulating and takes a lot of time and personal effort to perfect. However, something as simple as Word Finds I have found to be great in improving concentration and communication skills. Even coloring the same picture, adding more and more detail as my mind become more level and able to focus better, then going back through to see my improvements helped greatly in the weeks following my hospitalization.

Good luck and best wishes. Welcome to PC! You found a great resource and tool in this site