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Need to connect with others

Need to connect with others

Hello there, everyone, after 8-10 months of this year in the deepest, darkest head space I've ever been in, I'm starting to feel as though I'm turning a corner and am on the way up...for a little time, or long time, how would I know? I have a chronically ill husband that I care for. I work full-time. I've been in crisis mode most of this year. I have had wonderful, caring support from people within an organisation that I reconnect with every couple of years when the going gets tough. I am learning to not be afraid or ashamed of asking for help. These people have walked with me for so long. I am reconnecting with people at work and connecting with people who I would never have dreamed could be so supportive. One counsellor said to me that showing vulnerability could be powerful, as I have always tried to protect myself. I've been traumatised by a number of people during my childhood so have hyper-vigilant issues, which I'm trying to work on. I'm practising deep breathing and relaxation whenever my anxiety levels rise. I am due for a medication review later in the week...

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In response to: Need to connect with others

Re: Need to connect with others

......2 days ago I attended a two day workshop. There were six participants.....This time 6 months ago that would have been impossible as I was physically and emotionally numb. It's been little steps for me and my goals have been tiny. I'm trying not to be concerned about my 4 x weekly visits to the psychiatrist as I don't know what a medication review is all about. It's timely that I started learning about the relaxation and breathing exercises...I'm making a conscious effort to do these a number of times throughout each day. Having mental health issues is soooo lonely, and I only stumbled across this forum by accident. I try not to get too excited when I have good days, as it's been so up and down lately for me. I am hoping that alot of this has been because of my sleeping issues. But I think, just lately, I'm more accepting that it is what it is.

In response to: Need to connect with others

Re: Need to connect with others

Hi @NatalieS
Sounds like you are very busy working full time and looking after your husband.
It's an awful feeling being in a deep dark place, yes it can be very lonely. Especially if you're like me and really don't like telling friends etc how you're really feeling.
It's hard for people to understand unless they have experienced it themselves.
It's good that you are able to reconnect with people.
And deep breathing/relaxation exercises will help you.
What would you like to chat about?
There are alot of people chatting away on here, if you feel like looking around.
Or just chat on here, that's fine too.
I have to get moving now, school run, then psychologist's visit.

I should be on here later though.

I hope you are ok and look forward to hearing from you. 💕

In response to: Re: Need to connect with others

Re: Need to connect with others

I'm trying not to get excited about the couple of days that I've been feeling really good, because this has happened before when I decide to go off my medication and everything starts spinning out of control, and then I get in such a deep depression. I've got an appointment with psychiatrist on Thursday for medication review so am a bit hyped up about that. I don't know what to expect. And then we're going to do some behaviour modification for the next four weeks. And I don't know what to expect out of that, either. I wonder how my mood will be by then, as this year my moods can change a number of times throughout the day. I'm focusing on deep breathing exercises and some simple pilates stretches. Does anyone have any ideas about what else I can try to keep myself calmer and more relaxed? I'm trying to be kind to myself. Thanks.

In response to: Need to connect with others

Re: Need to connect with others

Hi @NatalieS

Perhaps do some research on mindfulness.
I'm learning more about it all the time.

Apparently it's very helpful.

😊🌷🌹🌼🌻

In response to: Need to connect with others

Re: Need to connect with others

The medication review is probably just seeing how you're going on your meds, whether to change them or not. @NatalieS 😊
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