'Me and my shadow' - inspiring book launched by MSG ophthalmic nurse
The Medical Specialist Group’s Ophthalmic nurse Anna Bowditch has a lot to be proud of, having written and published her first ever book which was officially launched at the end of April.
‘Me and My Shadow’ is a memoir of Anna’s journey with bipolar; her lived experience through the highs and the lows and how after a decade of trying to find the right treatments she finally found a solution which has led to almost six years in remission. Overcoming adversity with such resilience has enabled Anna to turn her mental health crisis into a mental health triumph.
Anna said, ‘This has been a steady project which I started just before I was 30 and I’m now 36. I never intended to write a book. I started journalling when I was in and out of hospital and years later as I found myself in a clearer headspace I started to reflect on my notes and pull more things together. Once I was in remission I decided to write a book about my entire journey, starting from my first manic episode at 17 to my diagnosis (which didn’t come until years later) and to when I finally reached recovery.
‘I’ve felt very nervous publishing this. My notes were documented when I was in my darkest and brightest of times so they were very raw and not written with the intention that they’d someday be exposed, and people I don’t even know would be reading them.’
Anna hopes that her book will help fellow sufferers, family members and friends alike find hope for a future with bipolar and to find light in the dark times. Since the book launch, which saw around 100 people attend the private event, several people with a bipolar diagnosis have reached out to Anna for advice and support.
‘I want others to know that recovery is possible and that they too can lead a normal life with the right support. I also want to minimise the stigma that’s associated with bipolar and mental health generally, too. There’s a lot of myths around bipolar, so this book will also help to educate and raise awareness of the condition which is generally misunderstood.’
After her diagnosis, Anna had to take years out of her nursing career. She lost her confidence and was told that it was likely she’ll never be able to go back into the role again. Thankfully, Anna managed to secure a role here at the MSG, where she’s been for the last six years.
‘The MSG has been hugely supportive of my journey and I’m so grateful to have been given another chance to nurse again and find my passion. I’d like to personally thank Lara Le Pelley, the MSG's Chief clinical officer, who has understood the challenges associated with my diagnosis from the very start and has tailored the role to my needs so I can manage my diagnosis as best I can.’
Anna was also helped by the Guernsey Employment Trust which provides support for the individual and works with the company to put in place a wellbeing plan for a healthy workplace. Anna said she wishes she’d referred herself sooner and said the support they’ve given her has been amazing.
'My advice to other employers is to look at the individual. Once you see one person with bipolar, you’ve seen one person with bipolar. Their current state and how they manage their condition doesn’t define everyone with a diagnosis. Everyone is different and employers should listen to the individuals need and how best to support them.’
Anna’s personal and raw account is inspiring and a true testament to embracing the shadow and balancing the light and shade of a mental health disorder.
The 145-page book is available locally from Writer’s Block, Lexicon and Health Connections as well as Amazon.