Battles

I understand that feeling and it's always so frustrating, isn't it? 😣 @MissGremlin

Would reaching out for support here be a helpful coping strategy?

The chest and jaw pain must be really uncomfortable... does massage or breathing help?

Awww, Casper cuddles heals all! 🥰

@AuntGlow it's all just getting too much. I really want to be able to sleep, to just switch off but I can't (I'm safe).

Reaching out for support here helps and it's a strategy i try to use, I'm just careful about posting safely when things get really overwhelming.

The breathing helps a little to ease the pain but it's still hard to sit with. I really needed to talk to my doctor about things today but I didn't get to.

Casper cuddles are always good. I did giggle before when he almost fell off the bed 😂.

I'm so frustrated that i can't sleep yet again, it's like I'm able to get one decent night's sleep but then several of not being able to sleep. My thoughts have been non stop tonight and just keep getting louder and stronger. I'm tired of having to constantly fight them, of making sure I don't lose control cos all it takes is a split second where it could all go wrong. I've honestly tried everything possible to calm myself down, to quieten the thoughts but nothing has worked.

I'm safe for the moment, I'm laying in bed with Casper across me. I just want to be able to sleep so I don't have to think or fight myself.

Hi @MissGremlin

Sleep is being tricky again tonight? I hear how frustrating that must be. I hear so much exhaustion when you talk about needing to fight all the time just to exist. Even though you're tired now I see so much strength in how you continue to show up for yourself however you can. I hope you can get some rest soon (maybe try focusing on syncing your breathing to cycles of Casper's heartbeat, get some deep, grounding breaths in there).

-SunsetSunrise

@SunsetSunrise it really is being tricky again. The exhaustion of having to constantly fight all the time really is so tiresome. I can't let my guard down, not even for a second cos that's all it takes. It scares me when it's like this cos I lose focus too easily, I dissociate and then have to piece together what's happened. I've been trying to match my breathing to Caspers but my body is in a panic state so it's hard to slow things down. I'm safe for now and I'm just laying here gently patting Casper. Hoping i can fall asleep soon cos I'm struggling.

I hear you @MissGremlin. When you're in a heightened state it can be really hard to slow down. If you've got the capacity, you can try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. I'll put instructions below. I hope you're able to have a restful sleep tonight, it sounded like its been a big day from what i was reading earlier.

The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique

The 5-4-3-2-1 technique is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. It’s also one of the most effective. Using the fives sense to ground you in the present moment, this is how it works.

5 | Name 5 things you can see

Take a moment to spot five things in your immediate environment. Whether it's a basic office chair or a cherished family photo, the goal is to really see the details—like color, form, and texture. By diverting your focus to your sense of sight, you disrupt the cycle of anxious or stressful thoughts.

4 | Name 4 things you can hear

Close your eyes and listen to the ambient noises around you. They could be anything from a fan humming to birds singing, or people talking in the distance. Identifying these sounds helps steer your mind away from inward worries and more toward the world around you, anchoring you in the present moment.

3 | Name 3 things you can feel

Concentrate on the sense of touch to further ground yourself. Become aware of three things you can feel. They could be the fabric of your clothes against your skin, the texture of an item you're holding, or the solidity of the floor under your feet.

2 | Name 2 things you can smell

Take a deep breath and identify two distinct smells around you. They could be the welcoming aroma of fresh coffee or the clean scent of hand soap. Tuning into these smells helps shift your focus from looping thoughts to your immediate surroundings, reinforcing your connection to the present moment.

1 | Name 1 thing you can taste

Finally, focus on your sense of taste. You might want to take a sip of water,, or simply focus on the lingering flavor of toothpaste in your mouth. Centering on this final sense completes the cycle and firmly brings you back to the present moment.

@SunsetSunrise it's been a really big day. Unfortunately I can't do that one as I get triggered by smell and taste but thankyou. I use the 3, 3, 3 one which I've tried but it didn't help tonight. I have to be up in like 5 hours so it's going make for a long and hard day tomorrow too.

@NightFury did manage to get one ☺️

Woohoo! @MissGremlin well done, you!

Hey @MissGremlin

That sounds so frustrating about your appointment, especially when you were hoping to finally talk about what’s been happening for you. It makes sense that would’ve felt really disappointing after the effort you put in the day before.

And then having all those things go wrong on top of it, no wonder it felt like too much in that moment.

I’m really glad you were able to get home and take a few minutes with your iced coffee to just sit and breathe. Even those small pauses can help a little when things feel that intense.

How are you feeling today? 🤍