New here😊

Hi @Tashie81

Welcome.

I've not a lot to say, but can totally empathise with the dealing with the hard times in your head. This is a good place for sharing what you might not otherwise do, while connecting with a community that understands and supports.

I hope you have found your space too

Thankyou 😊

Hi @Tashie81,

Welcome to the forums. I am FloatingFeather, one of the peer support workers at SANE. I just want to say how brave it is of you to reach out and share your experiences and your truth with us. I know that can be a very vulnerable experience and can take a lot of courage. Please know that you have found a safe and non-judgemental space.

I'm so sorry to read about your husband's passing. That must of been a devastating and traumatic experience for you. I really hope you have some much needed support from family/friends and that with time you have begun the healing process.

I have a close family member who was diagnosed with bipolar 1 many years ago so whilst I don't know it from a lived experience I really do understand it from a support person's perspective. Do you still have regular check-ins with your professional team? I just know from my family member's perspective the importance of being monitored and having a professional oversee your mental health so you can work together on your mental health plan.

I know that my family member also keeps a lot of his thoughts and feelings to himself so he doesn't burden others but I do wish he would share more because I don't like to think that he is alone with his thoughts. I may not be able to help too much but I can listen and I think that can only ever be a good thing (to have someone to share with without judgement).

Just letting you know that the SANE Support Centre is available to support you from 10am-10pm Monday to Friday if you are interested. We have counsellors and peer support workers available to support you via phone (1800 18 7263) - https://www.sane.org/get-support/drop-in-service so please reach out if you would like more one on one support in addition to the support from our wonderful forum members.

Best wishes and take care,

FloatingFeather

Hello @Tashie81. I don't have any pearls of wisdom either, unfortunately. You've been through some really tough times as many of us here also have. My only advice, if it is worth anything to you, is just to put one foot in front of the other and don't try to scale mountains. Just go slowly and be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to work through all of that emotion and pain. It's an unavoidable part of the healing process, and I'd say don't start anything new. Just take the time to reassess and adjust.

I can only send you my best wishes for better days ahead.