Is there anybody out there (wanna lend me a hand)

@espressologic given the severe weather we've had he has been managing pretty well. He's needed meds and is a bit wobbly but far from the absolute wreck of last year. Disengaging for me can be protective but it does feel weird. Things are a bit intense. Lots of changes which I don't cope well with and the dreaded fear of the unknown.

I crave and need the safety and security of a routine. I'm not averse to a spontaneous "let's wag school" type of disruption but tend to experience the chaotic crisis driven disruptions that throw you curve balls and cause a mad scramble to cope.

@Radarears my cat needs to have some dental work done soon. He doesn't like the vet (haven't yet met a cat who does!). I'm not fond of change either, and find it pretty difficult to sleep when there's a lot of disruption to routine, which makes things worse again. What's your favourite go-to thing to help manage the chaos normally?

@espressologic I am still wondering how I managed to get my boy to the vet. He and my girl are both outdoor cats and disappear into inaccessible places like the roof cavity. I don't envy you with your cat. I now have medication that has done wonders but for 3 years I couldn't get him to a vet to get it prescribed (a legal requirement). My usual response to chaos is to have a complete meltdown. Then I meander potter pace whilst my brain goes at warp speed. If I'm at home I usually end up noticing something that needs doing and carry on from there. Grabbing the house keys and hitting the street works too.

@Radarears yeah, a change of environment is handy. I have some regional towns near me that are always a nice escape to clear the head.

My cat complains, but he actually goes into the cage fairly easily these days (it's a big cage, but he is also a big cat!)

@tyme or anyone. Finally completed the time line relating to the traumas etc and not travelling well right now. My normal witching hour has begun and my usual go tos and circuit breakers aren't really cutting it right now. Have a pdoc appt 2moro which will probably mean I'll be snapping her head off for "making me do my homework" but in the meantime I'm just going into zombie land. I've found two very funny songs that are cracking me up but the effect doesn't last. I just need a bit of dialogue to wash off the "mud". It's also challenging because I'm sensitised to current events and am struggling with a support worker who sadly ignores the fact that I'm sensitive and blathers on about really awful stuff. It means that I end up having to spend my post support day trying to manage. I've tried everything I can think of to shut her up and change topics. I do like her and she is good in lots of ways but idk I think she forgets I'm a client. I've been subjected to worse and cancelled services and asked people to leave of course that's been seen as me being a difficult mental patient and that it is my paranoia that leads me to refuse supports. What was shared recently would distress anyone but I always hear the "you're too sensitive" message therefore it's your issue not theirs. You can never know what will upset or trigger someone. It can be something completely innocent. I mentioned the sound of baby chick's chirping and it set someone off. However when you advise people about known triggers it can be a bit annoying. I'm at a point in my journey where anything and everything can set me off. I feel like everywhere I go is booby trapped and I just have to deal. But being abused and unsupported as happened recently and being a captive audience to very serious issues isn't something I should have to contend with. I have very limited support. My go to lists get lost and my mind blocks the "muscle memory" of what I usually do. Anyway just putting it out there. Venting is my favourite hobby atm.

Hey @Radarears ,

Thanks for sharing. I hear that it can be hard at times, especially when 'support' workers are not on the same page or don't have the level of understanding needed to assist.

Does 'training' your cat give you a sense of joy?

Feel free to 'vent'. I'm glad to follow on 🙂 I don't know what it is, but I tend to like connecting with your posts 🙂

@tyme

I'm glad someone benefits from my rants. 😅🤣😂

It's a no brainer that today my furbaby has dropped his bundle too. I struggle to enjoy my furbabies when I hit the mat and I swing between hope and despair with that fat little munchkin. He's had his prn and food and I'll check on him soon. The meds kick in in about an hour. He has made so much progress and yes seeing his little personality re-emerging after a very awful 18 months is very rewarding.

@tyme not travelling well today. Restless, agitated and don't know where to put myself. My magical thinking Intrusive thoughts are keeping me amused and on high alert. Being off with the pixies is preferable to other thoughts etc but it's a bit tricky. It usually comes with poor impulse control. So I end up ordering the book I can't afford, telling a pain in the neck friend that they are just that and find someone else to complain to, and doing stupid things like climbing up ladders to trim branches and breaking bones because forgot to count the steps and got off too soon. I'm still trying to access help with regard to my mh issues. I've had 2 gps advise my issues are too complex for their management. The john West reject is applying to the private sector now too. I don't have any funds to go private but tried anyway to no avail. I've got a laundry list of people etc to contact and avenues to pursue re the public system. It's a work in progress and I can only do stuff on days when my heads in the right space. Reading my files is a major challenge. Sharing the howlers with those in the know does relieve the stress but I'm convinced someone's simply used a template and added my name. Nevertomind. I'm locking my phone, computer and cards in the shed and giving the key to the neighbour. Along with the carton of potato chips and the family size block of chocolate.

Awwww @Radarears ,

Hearing you. Despite not having a good day, is today any better for you?

I can see you are doing what you can to stay on top of things. I hear it can be hard sometimes. I'm glad you were able to reach out here and share.

Hugs to you. And hope things get better.

Not sure if you want to have a look at Re: Everything Cats

@Radarears

Hi again! Catching up on your thread and hearing how hard your life is at present.

You really do seem to be trying good things to improve your mental health eg getting out and going to the gym etc....and then copping it in all directions. That would be enough to set me back for sure!

I try to find ways to get out of the house and get movement that don't involve being around too many unknown people...like walking along beach early morning. Image below is of sunrise at my local beach. Everyday i get down to the beach and it has really made a difference to my life (and it gives me a daily dose of good memories to store away and share with others!).

There always seem to be a loose cannon wherever you go. I also like to avoid conflict and abusive behaviour so I can focus on the blessings of nature and the beauty all around me. I recently joined a local community choir and that has been a truly amazing way to "socialise" without having to do much more than say hallo to the people and sing together. Singing in harmony with others is so good for the heart!

PS the idea of a "hatch match and dispatch" strategy for memories, certainly made me interested to hear more. How does that work?