Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor29 Aug 2025, 1:39 pm AEST

Feeling caged up

The recent medication changes has calmed my brain down. I’m still feeling caged up, I know my psych is looking at more frequent therapy sessions if we can get more under ED plan. Once a month sessions aren’t enough. It just feels like the traumatic memories aren’t ending, I’ve been in therapy for years. It’s taking so long to heal. I just want to get to the point the body flashbacks aren’t so regular

972 replies

31 - 40 of 972

1...3 4 5...98

In response to: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor04 Sept 2025, 6:58 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@AuntGlow I need to let my inner child know it’s safe to let go, I’m working on my physical and mental health. I also need to tell the inner child I’m safe, even if it doesn’t feel that way in my body. Breaking free from food anxiety is rough once it’s there.

@tyme I didn’t do much, I exercised and did a two hour volunteer shift. I’m a lot better than I was before, but still a struggle. How was your day?

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

tymeModerator04 Sept 2025, 7:24 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

How do you find the shifts? It's hard to fathom the level of risk you might be confronted with. It's really interesting @creative_writer

I'm just thinking, like if people come ot the forums, moderators manage risk...but in phone calls, it's unpredicatable?

I think I told you before, I seem to be getting more and more interested in social work. I'm not sure I'll ever study it though.

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor04 Sept 2025, 7:47 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@tyme there was no risk today. I was doing phone calls today with another helpline that isn’t a crisis service. I do Lifeline text shifts too, but I take 2 hours shifts for those too. 2 hours is more manageable than longer periods. I’m only scheduled for four hours in total across both this week. Phone calls and chats can be unpredictable. I find phone calls more challenging even though that helpline isn’t even a crisis service.

Social work is amazing, placements can be hectic, you have to complete 1000 hours. There is the option to opt out of placement and just do coursework, but it doesn’t meet the AASW accreditation.

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

tymeModerator05 Sept 2025, 5:55 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

1000 hours is A LOT!. It pretty much means you have to work 2 jobs or you are still living with your parents. No wonder they want to start paid placements @creative_writer

I've worked with some social workers, and I think the risky stuff, esp with children, can be quite hectic.

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor05 Sept 2025, 7:02 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@tymw I don’t want to specialise in child protection or criminal justice system. I’m interested in mental health, but I do realise even with mental health you’re still going to encounter child protection, but it’s not going to be every client. I do need to protect my own mental health, especially with my history.

I still do live with my parents, it is hard to afford rent and bills, still unemployed. I create boundaries. My mum is more of an ambivalent anxiously attached person, so I try to create some space. Though I do recognise that it is hard for her to be separated from her adult children. Though obviously she still wants to get me married, but even after married life, I imagine her popping by as often as she can

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

tymeModerator05 Sept 2025, 7:11 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

Makes sense @creative_writer . I can totally see why you wouldn't want to work in that area. It's stressful.

I hope you find a role that works for you.

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor06 Sept 2025, 4:32 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@tyme I hope so too, still have a lot going on in my own personal life.

Just started the supplement on top of the increased med dose. I’m feeling a bit better, still a struggle. At least I’m no longer suicidal. Eating anxiety is getting out of hand, I had some things trigger me and now I just want to keep going. I do find myself caving in a bit, it feels like an addiction, I don’t want to give it up despite knowing the consequences. Hopefully once I’m able to get more support it’ll get easier. I know I need to develop healthier strategies to cope with trauma, but I guess that comes with a lot of work. I found myself criticising myself while out shopping, it wasn’t like this before

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor06 Sept 2025, 5:28 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

I’ve lost peace

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor06 Sept 2025, 5:54 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

Part of my brain doesn’t care about

Content/trigger warning

whether certain behaviours can cause medical complications.

It just craves safety and control.

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

RiverSealModerator06 Sept 2025, 6:08 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

Hey @creative_writer, thanks for shaing your thoughts with the community! Sounds like you might be going through a tough time right now. I just want to check in with you to see if there's anything you need or the community can support you with? RiverSeal ❤️

31 - 40 of 972

1...3 4 5...98