Fancy
Fancy
There can be life after depression
Fancy had difficulty maintaining relationships and quickly understood why after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19.
I had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals, and the doctors told me the only way I would get better would be if I took medication for the rest of my life.
At first, Fancy resisted the treatment. She didn’t think her situation was that serious and didn’t like the way medication made her gain weight. However, she had trouble caring for herself and experienced stigma from others.
Some people stared at me. Sometimes I didn’t want to take a bath, and my hair was a mess. I just didn’t like taking care of myself, and people would judge me for that.
Fancy owned a successful driving school. However, she lost the business during a mental health crisis. As a result of not taking her medication, she experienced hallucinations, delusions, memory loss, and developed speech impediments.
After some time had elapsed, I started to act suicidal. I would hear voices telling me to throw myself at a moving car: ‘It’s not going to kill you.’
At one stage, I tried to throw myself at a car, but fortunately, the driver swerved the car and drove away. I would break glass and try to walk on top of it. I couldn’t remember which day it was.
Eventually, my sister forced me to go to the hospital because I didn’t want to go.
During Fancy’s hospital stay, the staff helped her understand how important it was to continue receiving her injections. Once Fancy received the necessary medication again, her mood stabilized. She also started getting enough rest: eight hours of sleep per night compared to the two hours she managed without medication.
Thankfully, Fancy’s family has always been supportive. At one point, her brother and his wife moved in with Fancy to help.
That’s when I decided to take responsibility for my life. I went back to the clinic to start my medication.
She started a perfume business, which she runs from home. She also volunteers as a model at a beauty academy, where she receives free hair styling and cosmetics in return.
For much of her life, she had been an indoor person, but she began to make an effort to go outside. It turns out that her time in nature has been beneficial to her memory.
I started spending time under the trees, beside the pool, and getting some fresh air. I started to remember things. I can recall everything so well.
Fancy’s brother-in-law even taught her to swim, which brings her joy and helps her relax.
Before, I was afraid of water, but I’m not afraid anymore. Swimming is helpful for my mental health. I feel refreshed when I get in the water. It calms down my nerves.
In addition to self-care, Fancy regularly sees a doctor and a nurse to manage her mental health. She’s also been seeing a speech therapist who provides speech exercises and encourages Fancy to take her medication regularly.
Right now I’m feeling good. I’m selling my perfumes, and everything is going OK. I’m taking my medication, and I don’t hear any voices anymore.
Recently, her sister and brother-in-law welcomed Fancy into their home after her parents passed away. Fancy is very grateful for their care and wishes everyone had access to the same support.
I want their family members to know that if they help their loved ones, they are capable of achieving great things.
They deserve compassion, love, and assistance when needed. There can be life after depression.
