Anniversaries – COVID #2

I’ve been off for a couple of days having tested positive for COVID. I realised straight away that it was 2 years almost to the day that I last had COVID, and was hospitalised - https://patsywright1.wixsite.com/directorscut/single-post/i-am-a-survivor . As with many anniversaries of significant events (particularly this time of year) it brought back vivid memories of being in hospital and believing I was going to die. Thankfully this time I am physically much less affected, nonetheless the anniversary has caused some anxiety and affected my mental well-being. This can happen to many of us, but especially those who live with mental health issue, or those who have experienced traumatic events.

I also recall that it is 9 years since I spent my last Christmas with my dearly departed and much missed mother. Although many years have passed by since she died, on this anniversary the sadness does return, and celebrating the Festive Season has lost much of its joy. It was also an anniversary earlier in the year of the time in my life that I felt I did not want to go on living and attempted to take my own life.

Some anniversaries are more joyful, and next week it will be 18 years since I came to Faith and got baptised. That was one of the best days of my life, and although I still live with anxiety and depression my Faith is a very important aspect of my life and ongoing wellbeing.

Mental Health and Wellbeing is now a passion of mine. I understand first-hand how important it is, and do what I can to support others. Particularly during this season when everyone else can seem to be happy, celebrating, enjoying family, partying etc think about those who may be lonely and struggling. A quick message or call to say ‘how are you’ can go a long way...