Coping Toolbox ( what is in yours to help you cope )

Hello @Tinker67 , @Tyrone , @Ellu , @Ella21 , @Jillaroo , @Frankly2 , @Nashagirl75 , @Krishna , @MDT , @Former-Member , @Former-Member , @timtam00 , @Scoo , @Trifle79 , @Jaxta , @Carlo , @Rubyrose1 , @Appleblossom , @Bunniekins , , @LizzieLou , @Boo13 , @Former-Member , @Farmboy , @Anastasia , @Determined , @Smc , @Alicat

Hi @Shaz51

My toolkit contains a lot of the strategies in your post. My trouble is opening the lid to the box some days! When I go straight into fight or flight mode and auto response, it can be difficult to even locate the box! That is when I have to take a deep breath, pause and focus on what might be helpful. Easier said that done at times, but very helpful when it does open.

Very true @Boo13

I was like that today when we came home for lunch after doing one job , took me a while to come down and relax

Then since then I have been in bed all afternoon

hello @LizzieLou , @Boo13 , @Krishna , @Daisydreamer , @MDT , @Former-Member , @Alicat , @Determined , @tyme , @Former-Member , @cloudcore , @TideisTurning , @Former-Member

Thank you @Shaz51 Today I have realized that I appear to be entering the stage of Burnout, recognising I have the first 3 of the signs. It has been a long time, and I find I can't manage to find time to read a book, paint a picture, do some sewing , even mending. Also the arthritis has taken it's toll, and my vision is not good. All made worse by the fact that help in the form of carers has been scarce in the time of the pandemic. Also meeting friends is limited. My partner has become increasingly frail, and demanding, and I find it hard not to be impatient. He has many conditions other than the mental illness, and we attend many medical appointments. I do find this forum helpful if only to express my feeling that he is the only one that really matters, I am just the wife.

Hi @Shaz51 Compassion fatigue, good to have a name for my symptoms. Makes a lot of sense really and working on it 🙏❤️

Thank you @LizzieLou for your update my friend

I am just the wife and daughter here too

You are not alone my friend xxx we are here for you anytime

Hello and hugs @Krishna , @Boo13

Hi @Shaz51 Oh we are so much more than just wives mothers and daughters and this is something I’m beginning to work on in finding me again. Just back from physio as stress can take a physical as well as emotional toll on our bodies and this young 27 year old physio reminded me to start focusing more on my own needs and happiness.

Ohhh very true @Krishna ❤❤❤

Did your physio have any suggestions xxx