May 24, 2022

15. Unusual Habits

 

Do not fear some of the habits you may develop to survive your years of mental illness.  For example, it is not uncommon to chain smoke. Or to pace back and forth in your house for hours.  You may keep the windows covered all day to lessen the paranoia you endure. You might drink a couple pots of coffee per day, sometimes even adding a two liter bottle of your favorite soda on the same day, day in and day out. 

You may find yourself going to sleep early in the evening so you can get up early in the morning.  You may spend as much time up as possible when the rest of the world is sleeping.  You may find it is easier to deal with the voices in your head when everyone else is asleep. 

You may drink alcohol to get drunk enough to go back to sleep for an hour or two.  Sleep provides a rest from the pain in your mind. You might drink in the morning, or whenever, just to have something to do while you are house bound with your illness. 

Habits like these will not hurt you.  You will, one day, outgrow them.  You will develop healthy habits, and a sound lifestyle. These unusual habits help you survive your illness by offering structure to your day.