"My Recovery"

given the small chance that anyone would ever need to go use anywhere like the PHC it is nice to know there is somewhere to go, I was lucky enough to stay in the PHC Center for a few weeks following what I call my mid life burn out, Basically I'd worked myself too hard for far too long with any work/life balance but a distant memory, having suffered a breakdown overnight I found myself admitted to PHC center in the early hours of a very cold winter morning, at PHC I found somewhere warm and welcoming to begin my recovery to some resemblance of the person I was before my breakdown. The staff where caring and approachable they made me welcome as did the other patients with the feeling we where all in this together! whatever this was!, as I was not well at the time of admittance I tended to sleep a lot, I was given a warm and very comfy bed and even my own wardrobe to keep the few things I brought in with me, on waking up in the morning I was treated to breakfast that I can say was better than many hotels I've stayed in. again the staff where most helpful offering me warm drinks making me toast and marmalade etc I soon felt right at home, I was given my morning Med's and encouraged to join in some of the activities going on that morning, I did a lot of coloring while I was there I remember, having time on my hands allowed me time to relax and not have to worry about all the things that I had to worry about on the 'outside' . I made a few friends and joined in playing pool watching TV (when I could concentrate enough!) and more drawing and coloring, my arty side came out of me I guess, I was eventually allowed to attend the gym, relaxation classes and arts classes as well as music sessions where I had the opportunity to play the bongo's (don't laugh till ya tried it! lol) I also enjoyed going to Pet's Cafe where I met some of the day visitors and had a nice cuppa, I was able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine when it came out. I had a wonderful doctor and consultant we soon found some med's that worked on me and I began to recover slowly step by step I started to feel better and resembled the person I wanted to be, I joined in the self esteem building classes and began to believe in myself again, this gave me confidence to venture out on a few organised walks with the day center, we even visited a cafe near the Lincoln castle. all these things helped build my confidence again so I was able to deal with the 'outside world' again the staff where key to this, encouraging me to help others on the walks and in the classes gave me a sense of 'worth' I was helping other people but this was helping me!, The next step was for me to go home but come back as a day patient. Transport was provided if I needed it but my day brought me most days until I was well enough to drive myself ( this was a major step forward for me) gaining my own independence again meant everything.