Captain24

@Nala2022 Thank you. Yes it is incredibly hard. Especially when the self soothing techniques, grounding etc don’t help. I’m trying to take it slowly and reach out here. I have a friend whose interstate who I’ve reached out too. I really need community and any advice on how to get through tough days when other tools don’t help.

I know how disheartening it can feel when the tools you usually rely on don’t bring even a little relief I’m glad you’ve reached out to a friend in the meantime

Something I’ve found helpful is a gentle “mood activation” list, small, nurturing things like opening a window for some fresh air, lighting a candle, or enjoying a piece of chocolate. It’s not about making the feelings disappear but rather giving your nervous system little moments of comfort and calm during a hard day @Cuddlebear.

@Nala2022 Yes it hard when the things you can usually rely on stop working. I think it’s because I’m more unwell and they’re just not quite enough. It’s really nice of my friend to be there considering they are not the best either.

Yes I’m sitting next to my seeing guide and cuddling them. They are very loving and we have a very close bond and trust one another very much.

It’s freezing outside so we are indoors. I can’t do candles I have very poor sight and it’s a bit dangerous for me. But I can’t do candles cuddle my fur baby which is good. Having people here provides a much needed connection too.

It makes sense that the things that usually help might not feel like enough when you’re carrying so much right now. I’m really glad your friend is there for you, and it’s lovely that you have such a close, trusting bond with your guide.

I hope you can keep being extra kind to yourself, you're doing the best you can and that's enough @Cuddlebear 💛

@Nala2022 Yes it is really good to have my guide and my friend too. I’m trying to be kind to myself but I really need to learn to show love and empathy to me like I do to other people. I don’t have good feelings about me. Yet I see the good in others.

It really can be so much easier to offer kindness and understanding to other people than to ourselves, @Cuddlebear. Sometimes it can help to pause when those self-critical thoughts show up and ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend I love if they were feeling this way?” Even if it doesn’t feel natural at first, offering yourself those same gentle words can be a small step towards building that self-compassion

I'll be heading off shortly, I hope you find some peace with talking to your friend, or reaching out to any other supports, We will talk again soon 💛

@Nala2022 Thank you for all your support today. I will take your advice and try hard to self talk lovingly like I would to a friend. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day. Will chat when you are back.

Hi @Cuddlebear 💛

You’re very welcome. I’ve been thinking of you and just wanted to gently check in and see how you’re going today. I hope you’ve been able to show yourself some of that same kindness and compassion you so naturally offer to others

@Nala2022 How are you? Thank you for checking in. I’m honestly a mess still. It’s not easy and I’m trying to show myself compassion but Thets hard too. I’m still having panic and a lot of anxiety. My poor body can’t rest and it’s hard to just sit with this. I’m safe . I’m just really in a terrible panic and it just doesn’t go. I feel so alone. Your message made me feel less alone thet you thought of me.

Hi @Cuddlebear

I'm really sorry to hear you're still having such a tough time

I'm glad my message helped you feel a little less alone. You don't have to carry all of this by yourself

I know showing yourself compassion feels hard right now, but even the fact that you're trying is a meaningful step

How are things feeling for you today? 💛