Penned by Jen

 Well, what to talk about today? I just want to share that I feel truly blessed as I now have not one, but two fantastic jobs! So I've hung up my freelance hat for now, but don't worry I will be back! Maybe in a couple of years or so, I'll just see how things pan out. So I'm working in the public sector in two jobs about healthcare.  I'm still navigating my mental health at work and still have very bad days, but slowly I'm starting to rebuild my career and with it my confidence. I can do this!

I've just had quite a striking realisation that I must have had over 100 episodes of bipolar depression in the last six years! It's been one a month, lasting a week to ten days, so I've done the maths and that equates to around 700 days, which is a stark discovery. All that time lost to hiding away, not talking to anyone or engaging with my family. It seems that it's slowly fading and I truly hope as I write this that I can get through a month without it. When I'm well I realise how amazing life is. Just got to hold onto that. 

 Well as we head into Autumn I have received a lovely box from Mind which encouraged me to write a bucket list of three goals for the month. So what better way to keep accountable than to share my plans and goals here: 1. Go for a swim with my daughter 2. Take 5 great photos of Weston 3. Start learning West coast Swing!

This is not my usual topic, but I've just watched this amazing video explaining the latest trends in economics and wanted to share it as I feel it's a must-see!

Well I'm out the other side! One month post op I'm doing well but it's not been plain sailing. I had a low last week but according to my close family and good friends it wasn't as bad as pre op, plus I had some sad news about my dad so it was only natural. So I remain hopeful that things are improving and the surgery was worth all the pain.  I fight on. And am very excited about what the future holds. When you have your health you can find your superpower! I'm a JJ after all!

In just under 3 weeks I go under the knife to try and tackle my mood disorder. Sound strange? We think I have PME, so my mental health is being attacked by my menstrual cycle.  I'm having a hysterectomy and I'm so hoping it works. For the last 5 years I've been so unwell very regularly and it's had a huge impact on my family. I'm so grateful to them for sticking by me all this time as it's been hellish and I've lost friends along the way. So here's hoping things improve...I'm doing this for my family. And when I'm well, life is amazing so here's to more of that!