On-Going Psychological Therapy

I’m really trying, @MJG017 . I’m still new here and don’t know anyone at all. Nevertheless, the forums have become a sort of release for me. I hope to make friends and actually have a few discussions at some point.

Today I spent my day hiking in a national park [edited by moderator]. It is one of the few ways I can reconnect with nature and with my own self. My head has been everywhere except firmly planted on my shoulders lately, if you know what I mean, and I felt I really needed to spend time just reconnecting to things I love.

How cute is this?My lunchtime companion!

Wow @Jaila ! Thank you for sharing!

I'm so glad you've connected with us here on the forums. I hope you find peer support and connection as helpful as what it was for me.

As for your post above, I wanted to let you know that it borderlines an anonymity breach because of the location named (which we've edited out) and photo with part of a person. However, because you have already been to the place, it's scraped through.

Sometimes, when we put all these photos and posts together, it may mean people can identify you. If you have any questions about anonymity, feel free to ask 🙂

We feel anonymity allows people to post more freely - what do you think?

@JailaI can tell you're trying and that's fantastic. It takes time and effort, but it can be much harder that it seems at times to just keep trying so you're on the right track.

Maybe you could start to read through some of the discussions in the social spaces and see if anything there grabs your attention. They're a great way to get to know some of the people here. There's also a Sunday night chat (text) if you're interested. So take your time and just continue to do whatever is comfortable for you. It took me a while.

There is something calming about nature isn't there. Just being around it seems to have a soothing effect. It's hard to imagine a better lunch time companion. What a beauty.

I know that when I'm feeling down, I like to go and sit out by the pool and there's usually a duck or two out there to feed and watch. There's one that knows me quite well by now and will sometimes be waiting for me. It even pecks at the glass door if she wants food. If the door is open she will come in to let me know I've been slack with the food bowl.

Two or three times a year we also get ducklings! They're so cute.

I’ve seen the notices about the chat sessions. It’s a great idea and I really want to participate. Unfortunately, I’m a night worker based in WA, so the chat times do not coincide with my availability. I’m always busy unloading trucks and moving stock and directing my team on their tasks. We don’t stop. Honestly, it’s probably the most difficult job I have ever had. BUT, because of that, I get to shut down my personal life and the thoughts running thru my head all the time and just work, hard, physical work.

If I were a normal person, I’d be there every week! But I’m part vampire, I think. lol!

There are only two things keeping me sane these days… connecting with nature, or spending quality time with my pugs. Those are the only times I’m reasonably stable. The rest of the time I’m fending off intrusive thoughts or shutting down until I can get to one of my happy places or even work. It’s really hard for me because most people do not know how far down the rabbit hole I fall, and because I’m walking around functioning somewhat normally in society they assume all is ok.