Stress management plays a significant role in coping with my mental illness. As I grow in my recovery I learn how to distinguish my moods, symptoms, and stresses, which impacts my relationship with self, and partner. Life is stressful, and peers like myself should engage in self-care, in order, to get the most from life, and relationships. Most days are good even though my mood fluctuates throughout the day based on expectations, and stress from daily events. Relationships create stress, which is part of life. Therapy is a great coping mechanism, and self-care tool. In fact, my therapist and I breakdown concerns in my personal relationship among other relationships, and events in my life. Good stress, and not-so-good stress impacts my mood, and mental health. Whenever I feel stressed my mood is irritable, and my memory is not as sharp. Other signs of stress for me is being in a negative place, and wanting to isolate. Therefore, I am grateful for my therapist, because I am ac
This blog is about educating and empowering peers, caregivers, and loved ones with hope for recovery. I describe my experience living with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. I've been in recovery since 2007. I've experienced setbacks, but also triumphed through challenges. I encourage you to share your thoughts and to believe that better days are attainable. Thank you for visiting. Welcome to my life in recovery... Ashley Smith