Trying makes it worse

And thank u to @Former-Member @tyme for awesome work as peer workers. My life has really been saved by peer work xx

Aw, that's so lovely to hear @EternalFlower. There is a magic in peer work, something I wish I had many years ago, a perspective that really can only be shared by having gone through a similar journey.

I'm so glad to hear that you've gotten a lot from peer work, and I can't wait to see the sector grow so that more people may benefit from having a peer worker in their lives 🌼

@EternalFlower in moments where my depression was at its worst, I could really relate to what you've outlined here – it can be draining, and it sounds like you've been advocating for yourself for a while now, yeah? I hope you don't mind me saying so, but if I may, in stepping up for yourself in the ways that you have (navigating the mental health system, engaging with a peer support worker etc) you are honouring your dignity, self-respect and right to hope for a path on your recovery journey.

It's hard, it really is, but you are doing the work and that is to be applauded. That said, I hope you can take these moments to sit with the heaviness of it at times and to allow yourself the space to recover from all the steps you're putting in. We wouldn't expect an athlete to keep running on a track without breaks, it's the same when it comes to our mental health.

Sometimes it's okay if our house is a bit messy, if there are clothes all about the place, and I also hear that sometimes it can feel a bit out of control or difficult to manage. I think your idea of working along side your peer worker is a great one. I think they may be able to help advocate for you in this regard.

Let us know how you get on @EternalFlower because we're all over here cheering for you 💙

Rhye ☘️

Yep @EternalFlower I have been pretty resistant to technology, only got a mobile phone last November to cope with covid sign ins, then they stop the requirement... lol

So the positive video interactions were very meaningful for me, for a few reasons.

Glad about peer worker.

Sorry about the mess.

tbh I have allowed a peer worker into my bedroom to help with personal things, but after I felt good about her as a person and our interactions.

18 months ago I had an awful experience with a lady who was gung ho and quite disrespectful.., She was going to straighten out my mess, but because of other things she said, I had to let her go. Then left the mess with minor adjustments while worked with a support wkr with a better fit. Someone who was educated and gentle and caring and I did not have to swallow lots of prejudice with, and she had not even done the inner work to realise ... weary sigh..

A black islamic young man ... fancy that ... was a better fit than a white older woman from my own culture ... supposedly. The actual individual matters. He helped give me confidence to go back to study.

Then this year a lovely very young Sth Sudanese mum of five, spt wkr started. I did not mind letting her into my bedroom, finally got to the bottom of it all myself, and in last month ... polished my dresser and arranged things nicely. She just helps do heavy things like moving the bed. I did not want to throw things out, I just needed to organise myself and feel it was worth being alive. For me boundaries around privacy had been seriously violated, so I guess I had to go through it this way.

I was overwhelmed by the invasiveness of initial NDIS support with lots of people stirring the pot. However, I do not want to diss the service, it can take a while to work out what is best. I am happy now with people who work things through with me. Each situation is different. Do what is right for you.

@Appleblossom 💗💗💗💗💗

Your post really moved me...you have a real knack for sharing your story with authenticity and supporting others. I'm sorry your trust was violated, but how amazing to hear that several support workers have helped in the way that you need. It's just another example of how we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, kindness is what is within someone's heart.

@EternalFlower 💙

Thinking of u and Ur housemate @maddison

@Appleblossom my first cm was also a softly spoken man, I never imagined I'd easily connect to a male support worker or even be able to speak to a man openly as I was pretty shy and scared of men at this point. He was a gem and I loved working with him, it's really hard to know sometimes.

I remember first meeting current cm and feeling she looked the part, she dressed nicely and seemed sort of, professorial....I have learnt a lot through these experiences of how a true connection and trust is all that matters. Regardless of how someone presents or the bs they tell me or others.

@Former-Member thank u 💓

Hi @maddison @Appleblossom @Appleblossom @Shaz51

I'm having a rough night

Just trying to get through til tomorrow but nothing really helping

Hating myself and this life and the outcomes of all the past experiences bringing me here

The dbt stuff was all about, in crises, not ma,kng things worse.

I'm not sure if I like that.

I've heard it before, but the emphasis is that if we react or ocereact when sad, we could just cause more damage.

Maybe.

But what is damage at this point?

@Shaz51 @Former-Member @TAB @Scream58

Hope things are a bit better now @EternalFlower ?