Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

@creative_writer we really are creatures of comfort, and when our pain and despair has become comfortable, it can be legitimately terrifying trying to imagine our life without it, even if it's all we want.

I know for myself, when I'm activated it's not really easy to remember things like safety plans. Try not to be too hard on yourself about it. It can help to put visual reminders around - keep safety plan in view/accessible, or put up post-its with some reminders.

Curious if like... when you're heightened is there a sensation or resistance coming up in your body that makes it hard to want to reach out? Could be worth exploring with your supports.

Something also helpful is to reach out at the start, when we aren't too far down the spiral. As in, don't wait till you really need it, because for me that's when it's a lot harder to initiate the sequence for calling for support.

What are you up to this evening? You feeling ok in your body or are things feeling like you're dipping?

@creative_writer yeah so legit. It's your nervous system's automatic pattern, it's hard to circumnavigate - but not impossible. Visual reminders, affirmations and mantras, prayers too, write it on your safety plan - give yourself permission and encouragement now, that you can try to access and accept in those moments when you need to.

Glad to hear you dipped out of something when you felt the need to. It can be a difficult balancing act hey, where to spend our energy. I'm glad you can vent here when you need to 😊💜

@creative_writer reminds me of this, actually -

Which can at times feel pretty overwhelming. But you absolutely can build up your capacity, especially when you're also supporting people along the way.

I'm so glad you've been able to vent hun, it really does help hey. My psych was talking to me about how we are almost unable to process stuff unless it's externalised - talk therapy being one method, of course, but also stuff like art, poetry, movement, and through sharing with our connections. So glad you can utilise the forums as part of that process 💜

Oh true!! Sounds like you are being proactive and taking steps to nurture yourself. What sort of things, you going away or just focusing on other stuff? No obligation to answer, I'm just curious. Good on you hun 😊

@Jynx I hate it when people judge what I am capable and not capable of doing. I may have limitations and may always have limitations, but you can work around. 9-5 five days a week of therapeutic work isn't for everyone and that's okay, plenty of therapists work part time. I've been in therapy and felt my therapist at the time didn't think I could do, it was frustrating. I'm relieved my current supports believe in me.

It is very true we need to externalise. I feel like mental health struggles are often internalised and not always obvious to others.

I'll be connecting with nature more and spending more time out. I'll update you on what I get up to once I am back 😊. I hope you have a chill Sunday💖, I need to start clothes sorting out sometime soon, I had extra caffeine from my new tea.

Makes such a difference hey @creative_writer - having someone in our corner!

Aww sounds like a lovely little reset & refresh, good for you! Hope your Sunday is what you're needing it to be 😊💜

@creative_writer oh I love that! Keeping options open is always good 😊 What draws you to research? Any particular areas of interest?

Walk sounds lovely, hope your knee is ok!

Have you talked through OCD stuff with any of your supports? That's the thing about CMH hey, everything can feed into and overlap with everything else 🙃

Nah not much, I did the vacuuming then got some sunshine 😊