Confidence
Much of my recovery is often down to belief that I will get out of any slumps, and the confidence that I can maintain an upward trajectory. It’s a fragile confidence. I’ve been back at work for a few months now, and with each passing day I get a little stronger. I post a selfie each week to boost my self esteem. I get a little stronger each day. And then… People often don’t realise what they say can affect how I feel. I love a laugh and even a joke at my expense. However, after a while, my confidence begins to erode because of the jokes. I had to put a lot of effort in to my recovery and especially the thoughts that I am in some way inferior and people have a negative opinion of me. Just the small matter of a recurring joke about my absences begins to wear me down. I begin to think “do they genuinely think I’m a skiver?”. Maybe I am, maybe I should be stronger and not relapse so often. So that confidence is already shaken, when the confidence in my own ability is undermined ...