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New here, but not new to a messy brain

redpanda303Casual Contributor

New here, but not new to a messy brain

Hello!

I'm new here, and thought I should introduce myself - NDIS suggested that I access SANE's services and so here I am. I have diagnoses of anorexia nervosa, cPTSD, OCD, bipolar, anxiety, ADHD and autism (also some random physical things - ehler's danlos, POTS, hashimoto's, scoliosis, chronic pain... and right now, scurvy. Not even kidding. 🍋)

I've been managing pretty well for the past little while - I'm almost 5 years clean from maladaptive behaviours that ruled my life for more than 15 years, and I haven't been in inpatient treatment since 2022. But things have been a bit hard lately. I'm a postgraduate student studying the neurobiology of schizophrenia and the stress is... stressful. I feel like I'm constantly on this high tightrope with an ocean of panic underneath, and with any wrong move I'll just drop into it. I love my research and I think it's important and worthwhile but it's a struggle managing it as well as my mental and physical health, let alone regular life things.

Anyway. I have cats. I like to read. I like brains. 💛

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In response to: New here, but not new to a messy brain

BAOModerator

Re: New here, but not new to a messy brain

Great to have you with us @redpanda303 .

It's great to read about your interests and parts of journey to get to where you are now.

Your studies sound incredibly interesting!

I look forward to reading more of your posts as you share your insights.

In response to: New here, but not new to a messy brain

DimitySenior Contributor

Re: New here, but not new to a messy brain

Hello @redpanda303 and welcome. You're juggling a lot mh-wise and academically.

There are quite a few people here who've done postgraduate studies, but fewer who've pursued research. I won't try to tag anyone as we've had a lot of turnover since a platform migration a couple of months ago. I'm so glad you chose that topic!

Hopefully you're looking after yourself lifestyle wise and have a range of professional supports. Nutrition sounds like a challenge... one of many.

I'm older, bipolar among other things, have worked and studied variously...

In response to: New here, but not new to a messy brain

Lapis_AnteaterPeer Guide

Re: New here, but not new to a messy brain

Hey @redpanda303

It’s really impressive that you can study and research at all given all the difficulties you are facing. You’re doing an amazing job. Please try to be kind to yourself and use the support you have as much as you need to. Do you have good support? Walking that tightrope must be exhausting. What do you like to read?

In response to: New here, but not new to a messy brain

redpanda303Casual Contributor

Re: New here, but not new to a messy brain

@Lapis_Anteater Thank you so much! I have some support? There are people in my life that I trust. But I keep a lot of my stuff inside my head, I suppose.

I read almost anything! I adore books, my housemate and I have around 2000 between us. They give me a way of escaping into places that feel comfortable and safe. Do you read?

In response to: New here, but not new to a messy brain

redpanda303Casual Contributor

Re: New here, but not new to a messy brain

@Dimity Thankfully I have some great professional supports! I don't have a psychologist at the moment and my psychiatrist isn't someone I trust completely, but I adore my GP.

I've done a postgrad degree in coursework as well, and I didn't think that research would be much different, but it feels like a whole different ball game.

Thank you for replying to me and showing support. It really means a lot.

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