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Accessing respite

QueenieSenior Contributor06 Jan 2017, 7:46 pm AEDT

Accessing respite

My gf and I have just had a big blue about the possibility of me accessing respite in order to keep me well and she has forbidden me to go. She said she doesn't understand why I need to go because I am not unwell, but she doesn't get it that you don't go as an alternative to hospital (when you're acutely unwell).

I feel like I am running on empty and wanted to go for just a couple of days to recharge my batteries BEFORE I have an episode of depression or worse. I am finding harder and harder to cope with the fast paced lifestyle I am currently leading. It feels like a manic episode (not that I suffer mania but that is what I imagine it feels like). My partner survives on little sleep, little food and likes to always be doing something.

I love her to bits and want her to be my wife, but how can I help her to understand my needs without her getting upset and bursting into tears all the time?

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In response to: Accessing respite

KurraSenior Contributor06 Jan 2017, 9:14 pm AEDT

Re: Accessing respite

@Queenie
Your priority is your mental health first and foremost. Your gf is displaying very controlling behaviour in forbidding you to use respite care as a means of remaining as well as possible.
I'm aware you have had joint appointments with her psychologist. Perhaps this psychologist would be the best person to explain to your gf the potential value of respite care for both of you.
Thinking of you 💕 🎶

In response to: Re: Accessing respite

QueenieSenior Contributor06 Jan 2017, 9:21 pm AEDT

Re: Accessing respite

Hi @Kurra. It became a distressing disagreement with her crying and thinking I was going to leave her (which I'm not). She often needs that reassurance and doesn't like me going anywhere for more than a day. But yes, my mental health is a priority. I certainly don't want to wind up with another 3 month stint in hospital.

I think I might try the therapist. She has her final appointment with her coming up towards the middle of this month.

Thanks 🙂

In response to: Re: Accessing respite

QueenieSenior Contributor07 Jan 2017, 12:40 am AEDT

Re: Accessing respite

We just had another big blue. This time it was about me softly listening to music (in an effort to help manage my voices). I don't have headphones that work as mine recently broke otherwise I would use them. I just can't do anything right. Right now I feel very very low indeed. :'(

In response to: Accessing respite

Unknown userMember07 Jan 2017, 12:42 am AEDT

Re: Accessing respite

Hugs @Queenie 😞 hope that morning brings a better day.

In response to: Accessing respite

KurraSenior Contributor07 Jan 2017, 9:19 am AEDT

Re: Accessing respite

How's things going @Queenie?
Thinking of you 💕 🎶

In response to: Re: Accessing respite

QueenieSenior Contributor07 Jan 2017, 2:36 pm AEDT

Re: Accessing respite

@Kurra I ended up staying awake until 3am crying because I couldn't shut my voices up. I think I got myself into such a state, I was making them even worse if that makes any sense at all. I chatted online to a friend until the wee hours too because I am feeling so very low.

Thank you for thinking of me.

In response to: Accessing respite

KurraSenior Contributor07 Jan 2017, 2:58 pm AEDT

Re: Accessing respite

How soon can you get an appointment to discuss this situation together with a psychologist /therapist to help you both?

To me it seems to be fairly important that this situation requires at least partial resolution to prevent further deterioration of your mental health as well as your gf's mental health.
Take care lass 🎶 💕

In response to: Accessing respite

KurraSenior Contributor07 Jan 2017, 2:59 pm AEDT