Since my last blog I continue to work hard on my recovery and moving towards leaving hospital and being more independent. I have had many goals to work towards and pleased to say I have achieved each goal I have developed.
This includes using public transport to get around Dundee although I am still being accompanied by staff to do this. I have however had time alone in Edinburgh with my sister on my own for my birthday during which I also met with my brother. It felt so good to spend time with my family and have no staff around me. I felt brilliant about this and am now planning another visit to Edinburgh.
I have also been on a day trip with the occupational therapist to Aberdeen which I travelled by bus. I am currently working towards independence in the community. This has now started as I carry my own money and manage this when I am out and do my own shopping unaccompanied in B&M, Home Bargains, Aldi and Lidl. This has been very helpful for me as I don’t have to rush and I have no one to distract me, allowing me to focus and concentrate on my tasks. I like to browse the shop and this helps me to relax as it is all at my pace. I find the hardest bit is getting all my shopping packed on my own but have found staff in the stores very helpful at this time.
Besides this I have been attending other sessions that are helpful and relate more to my recovery such as mental health recovery and other educational sessions. I am also working on my budgeting skills and understanding benefits etc.
I have recently started a community art class called Doodles. I enjoy this very much and am getting to know new people. I am being accompanied to the group but hopefully this will stop by my next blog. It’s great though that the staff are not coming into the classroom with me. I still continue to paint for leisure and exercise in my room.
I am working towards joining the community gym and hope this starts soon, I am definitely on track to move on sometime after Christmas but also can’t wait until I have an overnight at my sisters at Christmas.
I have also bought my new television and my mum and sister bought me a new mobile phone for my birthday. I am very happy with how things are going and am now working on my next steps that will include buying a desk and chair for my room, a tablet that I have not yet managed to buy as well as continuing to work on my own independence.
I hope you enjoy this blog and my story helps others to work hard on their journey to discharge too as it is hard, hard work and very tiring however I find it is has been rewarding and very important to keep going even on bad days. I will be back next season to fill you all in on how things are going.
Take care and keep up the good work you are all doing.