Over two weeks medication free now. Had a bad week initially, then I had a really good week (by my standards anyway!) and now, now I'm not too sure. On Monday I saw my doctor. I told him I wasn't gonna take anti-depressants anymore, but that I still needed a sleeping pill prescription. I'm a terrible sleeper. 3am, 4am, 5am, 6am, I'm always awake.
Being awake when the rest of the world is sleeping, god, I think it's one of the worst things. From my window, I watch as the lights in all the other apartments go off. It's really lonely. It's really hard not to feel like you just wish you weren't here.
My doctor said he was worried that I'm becoming dependent on sleeping tablets. Of course I am! I've tried sleeping unaided. I just lie in the dark becoming increasingly frustrated. I understand why he is concerned. The last time he gave me my months supply, I took 'em all in one go.
My counsellor has been urging me to write a blog about what we refer to as, 'The Mater incident'. I've been really hesitant because, I dunno, it's not exactly the kind of thing you want people to know about you. I think a lot of people would see me as being really carefree, laid-back, determined, strong. None of that is true at all.
'The Mater incident'. It was a Thursday morning, in March. I hadn't slept in quite a while. I decided I'd take a bath. I hadn't been a self-harmer in a good few months, but I found myself smashing a razor, to get the blades out. I can't have been thinking straight. I cut myself over and over and then I felt like I was right back where I used to be.
The water must have been cold for a long time before I noticed. I drank a litre of vodka. I didn't have anything to mix it with, but there was mouthwash on a shelf by the bath so I figured that'd do the trick.
A friend of mine at the time began ringing me then and I remember thinking, "Please leave me alone". I got into bed and inside my pillow case, I had 28 Zimovane. So I took them. Washing them down with Peach Schnapps. I honestly did not care what happened. I was hoping I could sleep. Just sleep.
It didn't work out like that though. I don't remember what happened next. Apparently I was conscious for some of the trip to the hospital but I don't remember ever being in an ambulance. I can't picture the paramedics, if I was put in the room I was in in the hospital now, I'd think it was my first time being there.
When there was talk of me being admitted to the psychiatric unit, I did the very last thing I should have done. I mustered up whatever strength I could find, and left. I walked out. There I was, on the street, in pyjamas, and only somewhat alert. I think deep down I sort of hoped someone would say, "Sarah, you don't have a choice here, you need to get better", but no one did. So I went home.
Now I get sleeping pills dispensed four at a time. The lady in the chemist doesn't tell me how to take them anymore. In fact, she says, "Oh hi, I have your tablets ready for you!". I know that she's being sweet but it makes me feel terrible. I leave wondering how did I become someone who can't be trusted, is it always going to be like this, what do I have to do to not be on first name terms with the local pharmacist, lovely and all as she is.
I have been feeling better lately, a lot better, but the truth is, no matter what, the battle is still on-going. It's funny that I'm feeling pretty okay now, but I can't stop worrying about the next time. Everything in my life is touched by sadness, even my happiness. 'Cause I know it's only a matter of time before it comes to an end.
The song I've been listening to on repeat while writing this blog :
"I have been feeling better lately, a lot better, but the truth is, no matter what, the battle is still on-going. It's funny that I'm feeling pretty okay now, but I can't stop worrying about the next time. Everything in my life is touched by sadness, even my happiness. 'Cause I know it's only a matter of time before it comes to an end."
ReplyDeleteThis SO much. There never seems be a final end to it all but I hope that there is - for both of us.
I appreciate your honesty in this post, I know how hard it is. Kudos for having the courage to do it.
<3
Inspired by you, tbh :) I tend to skirt around things in my blogs because I hate the thought of been seen as weak, I think. I guess, as well, I'm kind of embarrassed. :( You're really honest in your blogs though, so it pushed me to just let go. Although pressing 'Publish post' took aaaaages! >.<
ReplyDeleteI hope there's an end for both of us too. A happy one. We'll see, eh?
And thanks <3
Wow, you're welcome! I wouldn't really consider myself inspiring but I'm SO glad I could help a little bit.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, here's to happy endings :)
<3
Also, you write really well. I was looking over some of your earlier posts and you captured so many feelings in such a beautiful way... I relate to it a lot. So thans to you aswell :)
ReplyDeleteI admire your honesty and fluency. I've a bit of experience in the self-harm/depression 'department'. I suppose all I can say is mind your own identity online. I'm sure you've thought of this and maybe you're comfortable with your own boundaries in terms of what you do/do not post, but yeah, watch out.
ReplyDeleteGood luck :)
Yes, I've been thinking about that a lot lately tbh. Do I mind that pretty much anyone can come on here, read about my life, things that have happened, things I've done etc.?
ReplyDeleteI'm more than what I write in my blog, but at the same time, my blog, well, the things I write about in my blog are and will always be a huge part of who I am.
I don't think it'd be the same if I hid who I really am. But thank you :)
Good points there. I don't think you should have to hide who you are. I suppose I was thinking about if what you wrote ever came back to haunt you. Mental health is generally not talked about (as you probably gather) and sometimes the ignorance of others bites hard.
ReplyDeleteI've been lucky so far with this blog and any feedback I have received has been of a positive nature. The support from people has actually been amazing and I honestly don't think I'd be too bothered by anyone's ignorance.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean though. I think it's unfortunate that mental health is still so stigmatised. However, there are quite a number of bloggers writing very in-depth blogs about their experiences with things like depression and self harm and this can only be a good thing.
Reading other peoples blogs and realising that I'm not alone in how I feel and/or have felt really did push me to be a stronger person, less embarrassed and I only hope that maybe my blog could do that for someone too :)
I don't think what I write could ever come back to haunt me, but I'm kind of scared now haha!
Seriously though, thanks. I will probably have to have a re-think about some of the stuff I post.
That's good to hear. Sometimes openness online brings refreshing support or an exchange of ideas. When I post, I ask myself what hat I want to wear? Not to deceive others, but if I'm getting into really nitty gritty detail or even just general blah to everything, the option of having a proper anonarama ;) is comforting.
ReplyDelete