Hello

Hey @windecho

First of all, thank you for taking the step to share your story here. It takes so much strength to open up when you're feeling so exhausted and overwhelmed, and I am really glad that your Psychologist pointed you in our direction 💚

Hearing about your daily routine, it sounds like you are carrying an incredibly heavy load right now, both mentally and physically. Working early, solo hours while managing a degenerative disc and a knee injury sounds exhausting on its own, let alone doing it on fractured sleep. It makes so much sense that you're feeling overwhelmed and worried about your future. You've been operating in survival mode for a while, especially after losing your Mum 18 months ago and stepping into that solo chapter of your life. I want to acknowledge how much strength it has taken to navigate that loss alongside your own health.

Receiving a mix of diagnoses, like ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, and navigating a new anti-psychotic medication, can feel like a lot of puzzle pieces to look at all at once; it's a lot to take in!

Many people here on the forums, including myself, understand what it's like to be isolated, to worry about employment longevity when your body is tired, and to feel like you've forgotten "how" or "where" to make connections after years of being on your own. You are certainly not alone in that!

For now, try to be incredibly gentle with yourself. You don't have to figure out how to solve everything or make a life's worth of friends tonight. Just coming on here and posting is a massive step that I am proud of you for taking.

Hello @windecho .

Condolences on the death of your mum. I imagine you're still grieving her, 18 months isn't long.

I hear you on struggling with your physical and mental health and isolation. I'm older, have also struggled (am still struggling) and while I don't have specific suggestions I want to acknowledge and encourage you for your awareness and for reaching out. It's timely for you I suspect - a combination of circumstances and your stage in life where change is happening and you'd like a sense of control and positivity.

Actually I do have one suggestion - have you considered a companion animal? Dogs in particular are not only good in themselves but open opportunities to interact with others at puppy school, at dog parks and on walks.

Nice to see you here, I hope you have a look around the forums and connect with other forumites.

Hi, I'm glad you've found this forum. It is very helpful to know you are not alone in your life challenges.

Not getting a decent sleep can have a huge impact on mental capacity to deal with situations and changes, as does chronic physical aches and pains. It can help to try to find places or activities that you can relax into or recharge with. It won't fix the problem but it might allow for a counter balance to the draining feelings.

I find education and learning as much as possible about diagnosed or suspected conditions can help to understand a way to overcome them or at least recognise the influence they have on behaviour and emotional life.

Every action you take towards feeling better is a positive step and also helps others in their journey of self actualization.

Thanks @MatchaToad for your thoughtful response to my message. I appreciate the kind words greatly. I kept some things you mentioned in mind at work today which was helpful and encouraging.

It feels like a heavy load and complicated mess. Hearing from someone who understands feels reassuring. Thanks again. I dont feel so hard on myself after reading your response.

I'll try to be more gentle on myself. My psychologist today echoed the same thing, dont try to solve everything now just take it one step at a time.

Dear @windecho welcome to the forum. You will find many understanding and supportive friends here

I'm not quite up and about yet this morning

So I will just say hello and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Here's a little song 🎵 to help you this morning

Taali 💙

@NoWayBack @Dimity @MatchaToad

https://open.spotify.com/track/2Lb9ww5vZAnveWnrFQfAKR?si=5r368QcCT9SdvjsUAz-Qkw&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1DXcRXFNfZr7Tp

Hey @Taali,

Thanks for sharing the song. I was listening to it while traveling in my work van today and it felt uplifting.

Heres a song from my playlist in return,

https://open.spotify.com/track/6wDOhiIwYDQvvn2ozXYeC0

Hi @Dimity,

Thanks for your thoughtful words, I appreciate it. It seems like everything started caving in within a short time frame and so much is happening at once. The mental health issues worsen and it all seems to snowball. Its reassuring to hear from someone who understands so thank you.

I have thought about a companion pet. Truthfully the thing that makes me a little reluctant is my OCD when it comes to handling animals. Cats are a bit easier to look after so perhaps thats an option.

Hi @Taali,

Thanks for sharing the song. I was listening to it today while driving in my work van and it felt uplifting.

I have a song from my playlist to share in return,

https://open.spotify.com/track/6wDOhiIwYDQvvn2ozXYeC0

@windecho

Thank you for sharing the song 🎵

I really enjoyed having a listen.

I hope you're doing well or as well as can be expected.

Mental health issues can be so debilitating that they seem to impact everything in our lives.

Rest assured that you are not alone in that and that we all understand and support you here.

Do you have a mental health care professional to help you?

If not I'd strongly recommend you shop around to find one. It can be hit and miss but definitely worth it if you can find the right person.

Even finding us here and reaching out is a positive start.

While I am no expert I can wholly recommend sharing with those who have lived experience of mental illness.

Go gently dear friend 🧡

@Taali