Could use some help with coping

Hi there @Hanginthere ,

Welcome to the forums. I'm sorry to hear you feel so alone. It must be so hard to have these disabilities and be alone in the space.

I have to say well done on making the first step to connecting with people. Connection, whether online or face to face, is key to coping. In a way, it gave me responsibility, accountability, and purpose in life. It helped me feel I could engage in meaningful activities.

What are some things you like doing?

Hey there @Simples44 ,

Great to see you here with us too!

I can't say I'm a cook. I don't prioritise it and I find it stressful. But it's good to know we are all different and that some people find cooking very therapeutic.

For me, I find being on these forums and connecting with people therapeutic. I find that when I chat to people, it helps be reflect on my own journey and what helped me.

Great to have both of you here @Simples44 @Hanginthere !

Hi @Hanginthere,

Connecting with others can help us feel less alone and sad. It can help to find others who share a similar interest or experience. So for example - as you have said you like cooking - maybe you could find a cooking class in your area, or volunteer with a charity that cooks for others - like Meals on Wheels? I have seen some free cooking classes listed on https://www.eventbrite.com.au/ or advertised through community organisations that provide food relief.

Alternatively you may find it useful to make connections with others who have lived experience of the same disabilities as you. This could be online - such as this forum (there are some social spaces on this forum if you are interested), or in person.

If you are on NDIS - you may be able to get support with Social and Community participation funding to help you overcome any barriers you have due to your disabilities. Or you could post on here what things are making it difficult for you to socialise with others - whether it be fatigue, social anxiety, can't find other people to connect to in your area, or any other problems.

Best of luck & don't hesitate to post more details of what you would like help with & forum members are often happy to help out with suggestions.

Welcome, @Hanginthere , it's good to have you here 🙂

For coping, I use meds, therapy, and taking things day by day, or sometimes hour by hour. Also by lying down and staring at the wall when needed. Also distractions, like reading.

Do you have any professional support? Like a counsellor, meds, psychologist or psychiatrist?

An important 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.

I hope you find the forums supportive...

Hi @Kate82 ,

How are you?

And how are you today @Hanginthere ? Do you have anything you plan to do this weekend?

There are people online on the forums 24/7. Feel free to post anytime.

Hi @tyme

I'm OK.

Pretty dysfunctional ATM.

Struggling with homelessness and being diagnosed with bipolar 2.

I'm suffering from a lot of anxiety, sleepless nights, complex trauma.

Sleeping on my my mums lounge in a severely overcrowded space.

Relationship breakdown, etc.

Just barely coping..

Hey @Kate82 ,

I’m sorry to hear how tough things are for you right now. It sounds so difficult that you are facing homelessness, relationship breakdown and the mental health to go with it all. It’s understandable that you are having sleepless nights and anxiety.

Do you have any supports around you? I can see you are at your mum’s. Is there anyone else you can speak to?

I hope you can stay connected on these forums and maybe you will feel less alone at this challenging time.

We are here for you.