Anna's Story
“When I was 27 I was working in a very stressful job as a secondary teacher. I had no resilience and felt intimidated by staff and pupils. I developed an anxiety disorder which further lead to episodes of depression. I gave up teaching and retrained as a nurse but still had depressive episodes every year or so. I also suffered from manic episodes where I couldn’t sleep and became quite agitated and irritable.
“I struggle at times but have developed resilience over the years.”
I finally was given a diagnosis of bipolar 2 ten years ago and am stabilised on Lamotrigine and Quetiapine. I find swimming really beneficial and also mindfulness. My psychiatrist also feels there is an element of PTSD due to my traumatic experience as a teacher.
I struggle at times but have developed resilience over the years. On days when I feel unwell I head for the pool or get into the garden. Physical exercise really helps.”
