what do you do when there is no one you can go to for help?

@Eden1919 unfortunately I don't have any agreed plan. I wish. I just worked out what I'd try to do if the same thing happened again, as it was a really bad experience. I'm with a different doctor now. Hearing your struggle my friend - are you feeling any better today?

@Dimity oh sorry you dont actually have a plan, is this new doctor any better? Today has not been a good day I am exhausted because i havent slept for about 5 days now and it is getting to me. plus there is a lot of other stuff going on that is tricky to explain.

Hey @Eden1919 glad to hear from you. Not sleeping for days was one of my red flags but with this doctor I've stayed reasonably stable and out of hospital for over 15 years. I can't tell you what a relief that is - I never want to be paranoid and psychotic again. I haven't got a case manager so I can make contact with my doctor's office directly if I need to bring forward an appointment or adjust my meds.

Are you looking after yourself and eating properly? It can be hard to shop and cook but sleep and food are equally important. I'm old enough to recognise when my routines are out of whack and I'm more vulnerable. I'm working on my sleep cycle at the moment as I'm getting enough sleep but it's phase shifted several hours.

I'm sorry if things are complicated for you st the moment - life and people and work and relationships go in different directions sometimes.

Look after yourself @Eden1919 . Are you in lockdown too?

Love,

Dimity

@Dimity i have been struggling to look after myself lately and no thankfully i am not in lockdown currently i am sorry you are that must be difficult.

I am struggling a lot today i really dont feel right but there isnt anything else i can do.

Hugs @Eden1919 I'm sorry you're struggling to look after yourself at the moment, that's only natural when you haven't slept for so long,. Having essentials in the fridge is number one and making a shopping list is a good way to settle your thoughts. I just walked back from the supermarket so that was a bit of fresh air. It was the first time I'd shopped since losing one of my cats so it was much cheaper but I miss him. I'd had him over 12 years.

Sleep, food, meds, a bit of a walk to clear the head. Earlier I pulled some weeds from the garden, for the first time in months. I was dizzy from bending over but I'll try to do more tomorrow.

Strength to you @Eden1919 you've got this. One foot in front of the other, one step at a time. I hope you get some better sleep tonight.

Love, Dimity.

@Dimity thank you, i am sorry about your cat but i am glad you got some fresh air. I have been trying to do uni work all day with no success.

Success or not, I respect your diligence @Eden1919 and I'm relieved you have that continuing focus. Take care.

@Arizona - just wondering......I was speaking with the psychiatrist I will be seeing later this week and he reminded me of the Medicare Safety Net - where we only have to pay a certain amount in a year before the rebate is increased. I had never had to use it before and wasn't fully knowledgeable about how it works. Perhaps you might like to learn more about it yourself?

Perhaps they should just bulk-bill, themselves?