Making Changes

Some of you will know that I've recently had a bit of a blog-related stress. I'd always thought that I was pretty much anonymous uunless you knew me, bbut after speaking to a friend it transpired that it was pretty easy to work out my identity if you so desired. Now, I've always been pretty careful about what I say on here. I don't mention names, locations, diagnoses etc. I pretty much behave myself so I'm unlikely to reveal any inappropriate behaviour. However, I hadn't realised how easy it was to misinterpret some of the things I'd said.

I've taken the old blog down, but posted everything I'd originally said there on this blog. I have made some modifications and clarifications where it seemed necessary, but the content is largely unchanged.

I just want to make a few things clear. These are just things that have been recently brought to my attention and I think it's best they're addressed so I can move past this.

1 - With regards to my mental health, my regent is aware of the situation and none of my doctors have any concerns about my fitness to practice.

2 - I do not and have never used hard drugs. In a previous post I mentioned something regarding controlled drugs - as I've now stated, this was in reference to working in a pharmacy.

3 - I do not believe any patient I may refer to is identifiable - I avoid mentioning locations, symptoms or specific diagnoses. If you think something I've said is dodgy and potentially breaks confidentialty, let me know.

I think that's everything addressed and I'm looking forward to getting back to blogging properly :)

xxx

Overwhelmed

Blogging twice in one week is a rare enough occurrence for me, so posting twice in the space of a few hours is basically unheard of, but I just wanted to attempt to respond all of the wonderful comments I've received since I last hit "post".

I honestly could not have anticipated the volume of responses I have received, and each and every one of them has been positive. Whether you have commented, tweeted, direct messaged, text, phoned or simply read my post - thank you. You are all fantastic people and I must admit I may have "had something in my eye" a few times.

To those of you who said you could relate in some small way to what I'd written - thank you. I hope that you now feel, as I do, slightly less alone. To the amazing friends who have said they are proud of me - you are all incredible people and I feel extremely lucky to have you in my life. To the people who have called me brave, courageous or inspirational - I'm extremely flattered. I don't feel worthy of your comments, but your kindness means a lot.

If only one person reading has felt just a little relief in knowing they aren't alone, then it was worth all the (completely unnecessary) worrying. I actually feel fantastic for getting this out in the open. There have been so many times when I've worried about saying something in case I "gave away" my issues. Now they're out there, I think I can just get on with things.

Much love to each and every one of you xxx