Mental Health Awareness Week
Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week in Aotearoa. Receiving the wonderful news that Rory’s CT scan was clear for another year does wonders for the mental health of Sean and I. Considering what he has been through Rory has pretty good mental health. This is achieved in a variety of ways; a repeating ‘normal’ weekly routine of community activities with Support Carers Ailie and Shaun, bi-monthly talks with Psychologist Daniel, and participation in Canteen Taranaki events to socialise with other young people who have experienced cancer in their lives. Being in the company of dogs also brings Rory joy. Unfortunately it has often been too wet lately for Doggy Day Care.
For Sean mental health is achieved by being on the hill hunting 3 days/week. Last weekend he took Rory and Colt out of town to spend time with Grannie and Grandad Gardiner. Time with family also brings joy. I did not go. What I need for better mental health is to disconnect, from everyone and everything. I find even when I do the things I love I struggle to slow down and achieve a clear mind. It really is a challenge for me to pause and simply breathe to find inner peace.
Rory is keeping well but we are battling folliculitis which develops into boils. Repeated chemotherapy has damaged the barrier of Rory’s skin and bacteria creeps in no matter how much he/we wash. He is currently taking antibiotics and I hope it will clear up. Exposure to sunlight and less clothing will also help.