Share a cuppa?

Good evening @Shaz51 @Former-Member @Oaktree @tyme , thank you for your messages!

My day has been good, thanks. Played badminton with my colleagues after work, only 40 minutes was already enough for a decent workout!

In good news, my boyfriend is starting a salsa dancing course so that we can dance together once he learns a few moves. I used to dance a lot more, but it dropped off during COVID and then my dance school closed for good. I really miss it!

I mentioned earlier in the week that my Dad is being made redundant...he's not doing too well. He's getting 'nerve pain' in his head and spine - I think it's psychosomatic, because he says it's brought on by stress. He says that it's difficult to manage his anxiety. But he appears to still be in denial, partly because he's scared to take medication, and because he doesn't believe in psychological therapy, CBT, etc. He says that in the past, GPs haven't been helpful to him, and I remember some psychologists he saw in the past (for free) also weren't that helpful. He says he needs to believe that these things will work before he tries them. I've suggested exercise as well, including going for a swim (because he has been trying to avoid walking, thinking it'll hurt his back). In the end, I suggested moodgym hoping that it might help. But it sounds like he will still take some more convincing. I also investigated SANE guided referral service, but it's not available in my area yet.

In a conversation we had a few weeks ago, he said that he is only willing to attend psychology appointments if I'm the one with the mental health issue, not him. He doesn't want a diagnosis because of the potential implications on his employment. How unfair! I just feel powerless, because I want to help, and I feel that he shouldn't need to suffer so much, but he doesn't want to accept his mental health issues or my suggestions. My hands are tied.

Hey there @Oaktree 💜🙂

thank you so much for your message - I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and understanding 💜🌺🙂

yes, it’s hard to let go, but I have to prioritise within recent changing capacity 🙂

And that’s a really thoughtful point you’ve made regarding change; it happens all the time, and I wondered what your thoughts are about how uncomfortable change can be…for instance, I find that a series of smaller changes can be as challenging as one big change sometimes, however at other times I feel like physical and emotional capacity governs what I can manage/cope with 🌺🙂

Salsa dancing @Spirit_Healer ! Do you realise how therapeutic that was for me? I did it last year and as much as I didn't feel like doing it, after each session, I found I was so much more mindful.

The reason is that salsa dancing requires you to count in steps of 3. If you don't pay attention, you end up looking like you are dancing with two left feet!

I'd encourage you to try it! 🙂

Hey there @Shaz51 🌺🙂

Sounds like a productive and busy day.. how are you doing? 💜🌺

I hope your mum was ok today 🙂

I’m sorry to hear there’s a scarcity of services where you are, and long trips are required ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

Im really sorry to hear that regarding your dad @Spirit_Healer 💜

I hope there is some way he can feel better 🌺

@Former-Member , will be done by phone call , too far to travel

Sad to not have the opportunities of the right care in rural areas and to say we are not really in a rural area @tyme , @Jynx

that sounds a bit better @Shaz51 , not having to travel all that way. I hope it goes well 🙂🌺

Yes I do agree sadly, there aren't many areas with adequate coverage in terms of services 💜

they cancelled my husband`s appointment

@tyme , @Former-Member , @amber22 , @hanami , @Xibon , @Jynx , @Blackbird11

Oh I'm sorry that Mr Shaz's appointment got cancelled @Shaz51

What was the appointment for?

for a Psychologist at the end of march @amber22

his mental health support worker said to get in contact with this group

i can see why he has given up