I can’t cope

Proud of you for showing up to the support group @Captain24! I know how daunting new situations can feel, especially when they challenge our comfort zone. I often feel this way when I am resistant to something that may make me feel vulnerable, and you know what, I always feel 10x lighter when I come out the other side. So I encourage you to explore this group to the best of your capacity - remember that you can always leave if it becomes too much. 💛

Hola @Captain24 ,

How are you?

How you managing with your challenge? (smoking)?

I'm one sticky note (9 tasks) down! That's an accomplishment. I refused to stop working until I finished and I had you at the back of my mind cheering me on!

The meeting was different. It’s based off AA meetings. There is a 12 step program. I’m not sure it’s for me but I’ll give it a try, I’ll go again next week and see. Then I’ll be at work for the next 2 weeks so we will see how I feel about it. @tyme @AuntGlow @rav3n

Hey @tyme

Im doing ok.

I went and got the cheap smokes and they taste horrible so they will slow me down and help with quitting. When I get paid I’ll get the chewing gum and she if that helps too.

Well done on completing so much and finishing a while sticky note! I’m proud of you.

My auntie never called me it. She was suppose to go to a psych today and threw herself on the floor and chucked a tantrum and wouldn’t go. Her partner called his sister, who is a nurse, to come and help. She took one look at my auntie and called 000. They have taken her to a psych ward and are thinking she has bipolar and adhd. She is an involuntary patient so she is there for a while I’m guessing.

Mum has been ringing the family to them about her.

Wow.. I didn't realise she was THAT unwell. I hope things improve for her. I guess mental health is becoming more normalised in your household? Do you think so?

Oh, and those cheaps cigs sound like a good idea.

Believe in yourself hun. It's hard, I know it is. @Captain24

That's why we're here

I am so proud of you for giving it a go! Little reflective question: what felt good, what felt less good, and why? @Captain24 💛

I thought she was and was trying to work out how to do it. @tyme. She is in the right place for help.

It has been normalised. Mum has even being telling her partner that she will eventually be ok as I have both and I’m doing well and seeking help. She will get there too.

I will need your help getting through it.

How much of your notes are you planning on doing tomorrow?

It felt good that I actually went @AuntGlow. That took a lot of courage on my part.

The whole concept of it doesn’t feel good. It kinda feels like a cult. They was they talk and think. I’m not on the same level. I didn’t understand a lot and didn’t say much. I didn’t really participate. It’ll take me a little while to have that confidence. One lady that was on zoom said that she was neurodivergent and it’s only new she was only diagnosed 2 years ago. I said quietly to the girl next to me mine was 2 weeks ago. At the end when everyone on zoom logged off and it was just 3 of us in the room, the girl that was next to me asked if I said 2 weeks ago and I said actually it’s 2 weeks on Friday. She said so my head was in a roller coaster. I was like totally! She seemed nice. Apparently we all have to make a call before next weeks session. I’m suppose to make a call to the leader. That’ll be hard as I’ll be at work for most of it. I’ll try Friday morning but the person o have to ring works.

The facilitator from last night is messaging me. I’m not sure I like it. It’s nice that she wants to get in touch but I just dont know about it. I had enough trouble getting to the group. I didn’t participate I just sat there listening. Now she is talking about coffee catch ups. Not total about the group but just catch ups. I don’t know how to do small talk. I don’t even know how to talk in some situations. I don’t do pressure, I back away really quickly. I don’t want to seem rude but I’m just not ready for it, especially when I’m not sure the group is for me. They remember stuff and know stuff I’ve got nothing. I don’t understand meanings in phrases.

hey @Captain24!

firstly - WELL DONE for attending!! that takes a lot of guts and i'm really glad you gave it a go. totally okay if it's not really your thing, maybe after the second session you'll know for sure if you want to continue it or not?

ahh i see, so there is a bit of structure around this support group - which can be good too. and even if you didn't share, sitting and being a listening ear for others is great too. maybe you'll feel a bit less alone hearing other people's stories, or perhaps, they'll appreciate you sitting with their feelings and listening.

about the facilitator - is she asking for 1-on-1 catch ups? totally understand if you're not ready for catch ups, and i reckon if you let the support group facilitator know that you're not ready for that yet, she'll understand too. i get the feeling that maybe she's asking to catch up to give you an opportunity to share a bit about yourself in a more 'relaxed' setting since the group space can be quite overwhelming? but i absolutely hear how small talk can be uncomfy, it stresses me out too. if there's any phrases you'd like some help understanding, feel free to share... although i'm not sure if i'll be super helpful as i tend to overanalyse sometimes 😅