Categories: uncategorized
Date: 23 July 2007 18:18:56
Following my offer to suffer, I actually had a few good years. University was, on the whole, a great deal of fun. I worked hard(ish), played hard (well, as hard as a CU-attending, bible study leading, keen young Christian student - with the faint whiff of fanaticism characterising the newly saved - ever does!) and generally enjoyed myself. It seemed as though, on the whole, I was becoming an accepted and functional member of society, even outside of the sub-culture that is both student and Christian. So far so good.
Then came the shock. The shock that could be called 'real life'. I left Uni and spent an brief 6 month stint volunteering in Cardiff. Fish out of water does not even begin to cover it, fish in outer space may be closer to the truth. The sad conclusion to this was yet another period of mental instability, which lasted for a number of years. It involved full psychiatric intervention and a the involvement of 'support services' - you learn the jargon over time! Prayer ministry (for want of a better description) and removal from the rat race, which I had not even begun to get to grips with, played further roles in my recovery. Although I still ask myself if recovery is a term that one could ever claim, having been the victim of ones own psyche. Truly.
This time saw a return to Swansea (a Good Thing) and much love and support (in the truest sense) from people who will never, ever cease to be dear friends. I cannot underestimate how valuable this was, nor should I. I believe that having those who are on your side, no matter how unlike your 'real self' you become and how little you have to offer is a key element in emerging from mental torment (no, not a superlative!). I did emerge, though, an older and wiser person.
The next stage of this tale sees me beginning to use this hard earned personal insight...