A conversation about life from life
For several days now, we have been offering you a space to get acquainted with the renewed Harmony Academy, its products, programs and other interesting events that are happening in our country. One of the programs that we have already informed you about is Well-being with Janka, which aims to bring our body and soul into a relaxing state, into well-being. To get time for yourself, for reflection, for self-reflection. On our site you will find several podcasts that you can listen to as a demonstration that a course at our Harmony Academy can also look so soothing and with pleasant music.
In connection with mental well-being, which otherwise can turn a person's life upside down, we bring you an interesting and engaging interview with our colleague Elizabeth Chynoradska.
1.When did you notice the first difficulties of mental discomfort?
In the beginning, it was in high school. Every person goes through puberty differently, and I thought that my lack of interest in school and basically everything, feelings of sadness and never-ending fatigue were a natural manifestation of adolescence. However, when darker thoughts came upon me, I realized that it might not be entirely right. Then I more or less got out of it with the help of a psychologist, but the difficulties returned in college and gradually intensified. When I couldn't even get out of bed anymore, I sought professional help again.
2.Where did you start looking for help and answers to your questions?
Since I grew up in an environment where we often talked about our feelings, and therefore I knew something about psychology, it became easier for me. I knew about mental problems, roughly on a general level, so I looked for information myself and started linking it. My mother took me to the psychologist, her support helped me a lot at that time. When it appeared again, I already knew about it very well, and I myself figured it was time to see a specialist.
3.You mentioned that you sought medical help, that is, you received a confirmed diagnosis from a doctor. What happened next?
I was given medications, antidepressants, which I have been taking continuously for a long time. The beginnings were difficult, the medications do not work right away, but just the feeling that I knew what was wrong with me brought me a certain peace of mind and I gradually began to get into everyday life. However, even during treatment, there are days when I have to stay in my safe place and, in short, sleep those days. This, too, is part of the treatment.
4.How would you describe the symptoms that paralyzed you directly. What did your day look like when you just weren't feeling your best. Can you tell us how these conditions were perceived by those closest to you?
My day looked like I woke up trying to fall asleep again. I avoided everyone and everything. Since I had a job, school, a friend and domestic responsibilities, I had to overcome myself. However, I did only the absolute minimum. It made life difficult not only for me, but also for those around me. At first, people around me thought that I was just lazy and not interested in anything. The latter was true, but for a slightly different reason.
5.Today you are very far from the time when it was launched. How do you perceive yourself in the present moment compared to the moments when you got acquainted with the term depression.
I think I am calmer in relation to myself and I am gradually learning to live with myself. It was hard to accept that yes, this is me, and if I want to be better off, I have to do something about it. I mean, for example, setting small goals that I have to manage during that difficult day. For me, it is most often morning hygiene, changing clothes and spending time in a place other than the room where I have my bed. Sometimes these are difficult tasks for me, but when I can do them, I feel better.
6.What would you recommend to a person who is in a similar situation and is going through a difficult time?
Do not wait with a visit to a specialist. Whether it is a psychologist or a psychiatrist, we are not alone in this, and when someone listens to us, it takes away very significantly from the heaviness we are experiencing. The sooner a person begins to heal, the faster he will return to a relaxed life.
7.Harmony Academy currently offers well-being courses, accompanied by music, focused on inner experience. Do you have your favourite podcast? What kind of person do you think these podcasts can help with?
My favorite is the first one, as I like to run away with my mind, which is sometimes dangerous, but when I have instructions on where to go, it is a very pleasant experience. Well-being is something that each of us aspires to, not just people who have certain problems, so I would recommend them to anyone who wants to calm down and leave the current difficult life for a while.
Thank you for the sincere conversation to our colleague Elizabeth.
And since we recently organized an online event on the topic of mental health, We care about each of you, where Elizabeth was the guest, we invite you to watch her testimonials and interview her in the video.
