Rusty.male50

I am now 50 and am recovering from severe depression and anxiety brought on by a nervous breakdown 5 years ago. I have been hospitalised 12 times and even scheduled after an unsuccessful (obviously) suicide attempt. I believe that I have had undiagnosed depression most of my life but the pressures I put myself under and not listening to my body eventually put me in melt down mode. My symptoms were very, very debilitating and my anxiety was only increased as I tried to come to terms with what was happening to me. I knew very little about mental illness and every day was a battle to get through. During the worst of my illness I was on a wild cocktail of medications, hospitalisation, ECT and periods of psychosis and I was told that I would never work again and would be on medication for the rest of my life. I was forced to sell my successful business but I did not loose the one thing that eventually contributed to my recovery - my wife. I consider myself very lucky in this regard.

As a result of my illness I would like to pass on lessons I have learnt:

• Despite what you are told you can recover or at least have a better quality of life
• Take stock of what is important to you and what makes you happy, re-evaluate your priorities and live life!!
• Research your condition and medications - there are some great websites out there 
  

No matter what stage of your illness you are at, try to remain positive and take heart, there is light at the end of the tunnel.