Not Coping

Thats great that you have a membership @Birdofparadise8 I hope you get to lots of games this year.

It is good to be back at home. I felt so guilty being in there and putting so much pressure on hubby. At least now I can do the housework/cooking and give him a break.

I always worry too at how it affects my kids when I am in hospital. They go through so much too.

Yeah, I get that. They are probably worried about you. I know that was the case with my parents, uncle, and aunt.

I'm sure your kids understand you're struggling, and I'm sure they are stronger than you think. Maybe if you feel that way you could all sit down together and talk about it. @Snowie

I have sat down with both of them before and explained what happens when I am in hospital, have ECT and why I don't work at the moment @Birdofparadise8 Also talked about the support I receive and why I have a psych and pdoc.

I have never hidden it from them and always tried to answer their questions as honestly as possible. I try and have open lines of communication too. I want them to be able to ask me any questions and feel comfortable doing so.

Sorry for the ramble!!

No, that's all good.

It's good you can talk to them about it all.

@Snowie

I talk to them more about it than my own mum @Birdofparadise8

I keep a lot from her for numerous reasons.

Its good if you can have those open lines of communication with your parents.

Lol, I don't. I try and hide anything about my MH from my mum and dad.

I find it very hard to talk about how I feel. @Snowie

It can be very hard to talk about it and express what is happening in words @Birdofparadise8

I think that is where my supports are good, at least I can be open with them.

That's where these forums are handy too. Especially when we can talk to someone who understands what we are going through.

@Birdofparadise8 yes, I think it makes you feel worse when you want to cry and can't. I'm sorry you feel so sad 😥

I get my diamond paintings from various places, there's a shop in NSW where i get the big good quality ones but for smaller ones - 30x30cm or 30x40cm for example I buy them from Kmart, Target or eBay, Temu.

They are very easy to do, a bit like paint by numbers. You stick plastic dots onto a pre-stuck picture.

It's very relaxing for me because it's pre-set. I love colouring too but I actually get stressed trying to work out what colours to use. Part of my quirky misfired brain I think!

Diamond painting for me is very relaxing

Yeah except it’s good having support and the forums @Snowie

It is good to have that support and the forums @Birdofparadise8

I know it helps me, I hope it helps you too.