newbie

Hey @yoyo52 Welcome to the forums. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story with us, that takes a lot of courage. I myself can relate to anxiety and that level you're describing must be a real challenge. My heart goes out to you. I was glad to read you have a supportive psychologist and you can access that service from your home, where you feel safest at the moment.

I'm sure you will meet some very supportive and lovely people here.

I'll tag some members to get you started @Shaz51 @Snowie @NatureLover @wellwellwellnez

Please take care,

Paperdaisy

Hello @yoyo52. Welcome to the forum. You've been through a lot. I was sorry to read that. Life can certainly be tough, can't it?

I had type 2 diabetes many years ago as a result of being laid low when my health collapsed completely after a serious trauma, and I was bedridden with just enough energy to know I was alive. It was dreadful. My stress level was enormous and, as I was bedridden, I wasn't getting any exercise. It soon took its toll and diabetes was one of the first consequences. So, I imagine your stress level and lack of exercise may have caused your diabetes too?

I had it for a number of years and recovered very slowly as my energy level slowly lifted over time, which in itself helped to reduce my stress level; then I slowly started to take (very) short walks. Over more years, they became increased in duration. I haven't had diabetes for many years now and my energy level is normal. I have heard of people who have had diabetes for a very long time, and others, like myself, who have been cured. I'm not sure why that is.

If you have difficulty going out, is there any exercise you can do in your home? I just used to make up my own routine and do it to music with a good rhythm to keep my momentum. The time passes so quickly when you do it to music and you can just slowly extend your exertion. Sometimes I have also done some of the youtube exercise programs. They have them for all ages and fitness levels. Getting enough exercise is so important. I hope you are eating well. It is so easy to neglect ourselves. Take care of yourself, @yoyo52. It was lovely to meet you. Stick around.

Welcome, @yoyo52 ,

I'm sorry to hear all the conditions you suffer 😞

I had a 3 -year nervous breakdown which I spent in bed apart from going to the doctor and to get food. I developed diabetes 2 from that, but I didn't mind as that was better than what I had gone through - 3 years of intense SI (suicidal ideation). So I do understand your situation a little.

I am glad to hear you have a good psychologist who's a good fit, that's great 🙂

Please don't beat yourself up about not being able to get to your appt with the diabetes specialist. It's OK to reschedule. I tell my diabetes doctors that my mental health comes first, as otherwise I would be dead. Not all of them appreciate that, they think I should focus on the diabetes, but that's too bad, I can only do what I can do.

You have done an amazing job raising 4 children as a single mum with MIs (mental illnesses).

I'm wondering if you have a psychiatrist? Just for the medication situation...

A handy forum tip is if you type @ and then click on a name in the drop-down box, that person will get a notification and won't miss your reply to them.

I hope you find the forums supportive.

Hi @yoyo52 !!!

Wow I have to say first up, I take my hat off to you raising four kids as a single mum. I'm 52 and have raised 4 kids along with a very supportive husband and THAT was hard enough! You should be so proud of yourself. 3 of mine have moved out and I have my 18 year old daughter still here and I'm so grateful because I would miss her so so much if she wasn't here. It's tough when you have had kids around for so long , all needing things from you and next minute they are gone and you're left thinking, well what now. No wonder your mental health has been impacted.

I have anxiety too and have had moments like you describe. I find in those moments deep breathing can help and also grounding techniques. I hope you find lots of support here, it's a wonderful, friendly community.

sending hugs

hanami 💮

Hi @yoyo52,

I just wanted to reach out to you and let you know that I really sympathise with what you are going through. My family member has bipolar 1 (diagnosed about 20 years ago) and suffers from social anxiety. He has told me there has been times when it took him three days to work up the courage to go to an appointment only to cancel at the last minute because he felt too overwhelmed.

As someone on the sidelines just watching my family member struggle is so hard so I can only imagine how tough it would be for someone living it.

My family member books his GP visits for first thing in the morning so he can get in and get out as quick as possible. I'm glad you feel like your psychologist is a good fit. Having a professional you feel safe and comfortable with is so important in terms of the support you need.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. There are so many supportive and understanding people on the forums - I'm glad you found us :).

Take care and best wishes,

FloatingFeather

@yoyo52

Hi. I'm 51 and just over 2 years ago was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. That diagnosis scared me more than the Stroke that put me in hospital did. So I decided just to follow the Diabetic Australia Healthy Eating Plan. In 17 months I dropped 4 dress sizes. I am still overweight, but no longer obese. It did heaps for my overall health as well. Hoping you can get the same sort of benefit from the healthy lifestyle changes.

It was good to hear that until recently, you were working and raising a family, while relatively stable with your BiPolar. Hope your current health overtime can also balance itself, to make your life easier and less painful.

Please stick around and join in on any conversations that interest you, or join in on one of the Social rooms. You are bound to meet people that you click with. It's good to have you here.