Don’t know where to start…

@Countrygirl

Do any grounding techniques give you some temporary relief until you can get further help?

My go-to is intensely focussing on the present moment, bringing myself into the room and concentrating solely on what task I'm doing, letting everything else in the outside world fall away.

Other techniques are at https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/support-toolkit/techniques-and-guides/finding-relief-through-grounding-techniques

If they aren't sufficient, try TIPP:

T – Temperature: Splash or briefly submerge your face in cold water, hold an ice pack to your cheeks.

I – Intense Exercise: Short bursts of vigorous physical activity—e.g. jumping jacks, running on the spot.

P – Paced Breathing: Inhaling for four seconds, holding for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds.

P – Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Focus on tensing then relaxing each muscle group.

24/7 counsellors are available at Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor

I see you mentioned dissociation in another thread, and having these conditions for years without progress. Have you ever spoken to a psychologist/psychiatrist specialising in trauma?

I replied in this discussion and not the other one because you deserve a discussion of your own. Please keep us updated on how you are feeling! You are not alone.

Thank you for your reply, I do progressive muscle relaxation and breathing / grounding techniques- aswell as focusing on a specific task at a time and try to keep as busy as I can when and if I can. I have spoken to many counsellors and tried EMDR and trauma therapy but not much success, and now I feel quite defeated and that no one understands or listens (esp because there is many traumas and abuse and the a traumatic and abusive marriage involving my children also, and then eating disorders on top of that). It quite hard to feel heard and to get through everything in a session. I am in the country and very limited to services and money is also a huge barrier. Hence this Sane forum is something I thought I’d try for different advice and options.

thank you kindly for your response and the link - I will look at it now.

appreciate it

Thanks for the clarification @countrygirl79. I’m sure you will find others in this forum for whom professionals have yet to provide the correct support for your needs and have financial barriers to getting adequate support.

Unfortunately the mental health system often requires self-advocacy, and that can be assisted by self-education - knowledge is power. Thus it’s wise you are exploring alternative/supplementary approaches like peer support in SANE forums.

There are a number of additional peer approaches available and you can try them all at no cost. Some are for specific needs but here are a few examples based on what you have said so far:

• Trauma support group: https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/trauma-and-ptsd-support-group
• Dissociation: https://di.org.au/
• Butterfly Foundation: https://butterfly.org.au/

Please continue to share with us - unlike professionals there is no time limit or cost :-)

Hello and welcome @@countrygirl79

You are not alone, you have found a wonderful warm and caring place here.

I'm so sorry that you're feeling so isolated and not heard right now.

Please feel free to share whatever you are comfortable with here

We are a diverse and supportive group who never judge and share our journeys with confidentiality and understanding

Hey and sometimes we have a joke or share our life highlights too

I concur with @Radder aboutknowledge being power and encourage you to reach out to the community support he/she has suggested

Take good care of you

Looking forward to seeing you here again soon

Taali 💙

Hi @countrygirl79 abd welcome to the forums. You will find many supportive people on here.

I agree the news from the AFL is very disturbing. I am trying to not listen to it if I can but it’s on all the time. Meanwhile I’m going for walks, listening to music and studying.

Hopefully you can find some distractions for the coming days.