Dragons.

A few months ago I was not well. I was lethargic, disinterested and felt alone. Why? I was depressed. Again!

Depression appears to be one monkey I haven’t been able to get off my back entirely. She clings to me desperately hanging on by one hand. If only I could rid myself of her completely. Knowing that this extra load I will carry for the rest of my life is daunting. However, there is good news.

This time the monkey has turned into a Dragon and I’m happy to say, it’s almost invisible. It breathes fire only when I let it. Mostly though it breathes a lukewarm steam.

Having a conclusive diagnosis was not exactly what I wanted to hear, even though I knew it was an accurate appraisal of my behaviour.

I have been in denial for quite some years. Living under the misunderstanding that some mental health disorders are worse than others. Why has it been hard to accept? I don’t have a definitive answer. My thinking was no doubt a little flawed.

Any mental health disorder is of concern no matter what it is. My life is better when I’m balanced as opposed to having a Dragon riding shotgun on my back.

The Dragon has raised her ugly head but I’ve managed with the help of family, friends and professional medical practitioners to fend her off with a whopping big jousting stick called Mindfulness.

There is no denying, medication has had an impact too but without Mindfulness the bloody terrifying Dragon would still be burning the hairs on the back of my neck.

Right now the Dragon has backed off and I’m better prepared should it block my path again. Armed with Mindfulness I feel strong enough to piss the Dragon off should (and it will) come bearing down on me again. To all those facing Dragons, I’d like to say get out your Mindfulness Box of Tricks and Common Sense.