Life expectancy

hello @Downward_spiral

I'm really sorry to hear how terribly tough things have been for you, and that there's been so much struggle for you.

I can't offer any insights, but what I do know is this based on life experience, when we read something like what you did, about a shorter life expectancy, we can choose to accept it or challenge it. I tend to be the type of person to challenge things like that, for lots of reasons. Where did the information come from, how was the statistic researched? Was the research peer reviewed etc. I don't accept something as 'fact' or a given just because someone has written it. I tend to be the type of person who rebels and thinks 'I'll show you that you're wrong', because how can someone else tell me what my life will bring? Not even I know the answer to that, life surprises me often.

In regard to your comment 'there's not much point waiting around these last few yrs' has me concerned for you. I can understand that you have suffered much, and borne much, and that you feel tired and worn out by it. I feel for you. Is there someone you usually speak to if you start to notice that things are getting too much? Do you have a plan in place?

Hey @Downward_spiral welcome to the forums! I'm one of the moderators, just checking in as well. I'll second what @Tinker67 has said about statistical data being something that isn't always an indicator of one's experience of their own life. Perhaps that statistic was skewed by there being a higher rate of suicide amongst folks with that diagnosis - and that itself certainly isn't an indicator that you are hurtling towards an early grave.

I also feel concerned about your feelings of seeing little point in waiting. I'd encourage you to get in touch with the lovely counsellors over at the SANE Help Centre (or just call 1800 18 7263) if you want to talk it through with someone. And if you are feeling that you may be unsafe tonight or that these thoughts have become overwhelming, it would be best to get in touch with a crisis service like Lifeline, Suicideline, or Suicide Callback Service.

In the end, no statistic has power over your life. Only you do

Thanks for reaching out. I am definitely one to do proper research, my go to is books they tend not to lie so much. So when I saw the stats again and again half of me wanted to prove it wrong but the other half just thought "yeah sounds about right". Not to spill my guts too much but my life has been one long traumatic event.. so add complex PTSD and bi-polar to the mix aswell, plus bouts of severe substance abuse. With all that I am just drained of everything. I dont really have anyone I can talk to about this, I have family and friends but none that I can talk to openly. And my mental health plan ran out so I cant afford to see the psych I was seeing.

The statistics i saw were for suicide rates. But ive always expected my life will end that way since I was a child. So seeing this stat was more like a end date, which is actually relieving, every day is a struggle with no real purpose.

hey @Downward_spiral I hear you. I've found this forum such a comfort, I hope you will too. Sometimes having someone who has had a similar experience to listen to us can be profoundly comforting. I hope you take up @Jynx suggestions to help support you. Do you think your GP can help you with another plan/other supports?

Already I can tell this forum will be helpful. Thanks so much for your replies! I have another 2 months to go until my plan can be redone. So hopefully it will go quickly 🤞 this is probably the only level of social interactivity I can do atm so im very thankful for it!

I'm so sorry to hear that you have so much to deal with and so little support around you, that is really hard. I know it might not be the same as chatting to your psych, but I highly recommend the SANE Helpline as a source of extra support - especially if you're having to wait until next year to renew your MHCP. It's a free call, they give plenty of time to chat and connect, and it might be good to have a space where you can talk things out, knowing that what you say is contained to that space.

It's also awesome that you're here reaching out to others as well, I hope it helps to be able to talk it out with others who can relate

Hi @Downward_spiral

I also have BPD and Bipolar. I am 50 years old so I guess I have outlived my life expectancy?

There are always exceptions to the rule. Be one of them.

Meggle

Awww that warms my heart @Downward_spiral . It's been lovely to chat to you today. I'm usually only on here one day a week, the rest of the week I'm usually flat out looking after my 2 teen boys who have different medical needs, herding my cats, pottering in my garden, visiting friends and trying to feed my lovely family, plus working 4 days!!

There's usually someone available for a yarn every day. 🙂 Hopefully you will get to know some of the other forum members too.

Thank you @Oaktree I really needed to hear that!! Its easy for people to say theres exceptions, but to actually hear someone say I am the exception is so important. 🙂