Update III

Words cannot express my thanks for your love, hugs, prayers and comments — thank you so much. And I do, feebly it must be admitted, remember and pray for all of you. I have lots of catching up to do soon.

I am on overnight leave this weekend to prepare for a possible discharge sometime this week. It was nice to sleep in my own bed last night, and wonderful to be home with my parents. My sister and brother-in-law, and of course my two lovely nieces, are dropping by for lunch today: cannot wait to see them!

Monday and Tuesday were very bad days, but after Tuesday’s session with the wondrous psychologist the week improved, as did my confidence and I even managed some rather pleasant and worthwhile thoughts about myself, making a dint in my low self-esteem. Things seem that little bit brighter, for which thanks be to God. On Thursday morning I went to Mass at the local Catholic parish before breakfast which, while not seeming like much, was a big step for me to go somewhere where many people are and to challenge my anxiety in doing that. It felt good. God willing, I can do similar this week.

I’ve pushed myself to be more social with the staff and fellow patients, and that has helped too. It can be tough, far easier to retreat to my room, but challenging myself — despite the hard work — produces far more benefits, as the psychologist and I discussed, and as I saw from the good day at home last Saturday.

My sincerest and heartfelt thanks to you all again. I will write more soon.

19 Responses to “Update III”

  1. DebD Says:

    Glad for the update, Ian. May you have a joyous Feast of St. Nicholas today

  2. Jan Says:

    Still praying for you Ian as I’m sure many others are too. Hope this week will be a better week for you. Sending hugs too.

  3. misslisa Says:

    yay and yay :) and hope you have a great time with the family whom I’m sure have been missing you too!

  4. Ferijen Says:

    Thoughts, prayers, and good wishes cominhg your way. Hope the neices are well.

  5. Elizabeth Says:

    Asking the prayers of our dear St Nicholas, for you, Ian.
    May your progress continue to be good !

  6. Surfing Says:

    Was re-reading a couple of comments you had posted on my blog yesterday, and wanted to let you know how much they encouraged me then, and are still encouraging me.
    Continueing to pary for you.

  7. Jack the Lass Says:

    Prayers from me as well Ian – we miss you, but keep on taking care of yourself. And what Surfing said.

  8. tractorgirl Says:

    Thanks and continued hugs and prayers

  9. Lemly Says:

    Thanks for the update, prayers from here, so good to hear you’re heading in the right direction
    xx

  10. Auntie Doris Says:

    Ah love, I am sorry I missed out on these last few posts. Glad to hear that you are feeling a little better. Much love from me and The Mister. xxx

  11. Kerensa Says:

    So good to hear from you and to know that things are improving. I’m sure your family will have missed you and hope that you had (will have*) a joyful reunion.
    The Wibblers miss you in our midst and look forward to hearing from you whenever you can pay us a visit !

    *Sorry, time zones are not my strong point.

  12. Japes Says:

    Much love and continuing prayers from me, too. You’ve been much in my prayers as I’ve been off-line as well!

  13. Semele Says:

    Good to hear from you. I prayer things continue on the up.

    Do you own ‘The Red Tree’ by Shaun Tan? If not, I’m popping it in the post to you……

  14. burntsienna Says:

    thanks for the continued updates, as you’re able. it’s good to hear from you when you can. sounds like there’s some positive things going on for you and I do pray it continues. hugs!

  15. Katya Says:

    Aw Ian, I am glad things are looking up for you. Since I tend to be a fence-sitter when it comes to the intoversion/extraversion lot, I can understand the need to reach out and not pull away from others.

    You have been in my thoughts and prayers! Just remember that in your despair, He will NEVER leave you, nor forsake you!

    May God bless you!

  16. misslisa Says:

    me again, checking in :) , talk soon eh?

  17. ferijen Says:

    //Just waving, to say hello, not forgotten//

  18. Brains Says:

    Prayers from SoF crew.

  19. Andrew Says:

    Greetings!

    I don’t know the details of your problem, but I can give you some advice on what helped me. I suffer from OCD, and a great deal of anxiety issues due to it. I had thoughts running through my mind that caused not be able to sleep, or even have a moment to focus on prayer in church. I had all the symptoms, despair, depression, worry, and I mean non-stop!

    The thing that helped me was beginning to balance my system with vitamins and minerals. The most in important vitamin being the B75 complex by Swiss. However the most revolutionary thing I began to take which has changed my life is “White Chestnut” by Bach. Please give these things a try, and email me if you want any more information!

    God bless!

    In Christ,
    Andrew