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Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Gidday2uCasual Contributor13 Oct 2015, 12:29 pm AEDT

Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Hi everyone,

I recently replied to "Rioli33"/Purple regarding withdrawing, thank you to those that read and liked what I had to say, those little thumbs up do have a positive affect. As I said in my response I too withdraw and as time goes on I do so more and more, it's a case of the more I do the easier it is to do whilst knowing full well I'm not doing myself any favours, yes I'm ill I have a mental illness, but by closing the door and shutting out the world going to help me?

In the short term it satisfies the need not to deal with the "stuff" outside, though the "stuff" outside always manages to get in by way of my mind and the never ending pervading thoughts, and when those thoughts are kept inside they are seemingly greater to cope and deal with than when they are spoken or written.

So why do we do it ? What could help to make it possible to not resort to this way of self medication ?.

I could certainly use your help in finding easier ways to make it to my letter box, one step at a time !

Cheers to all 🙂

10 replies

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In response to: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

MazaritaSenior Contributor13 Oct 2015, 1:39 pm AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Hi @Gidday2u,

I have been very withdrawn from the world for several years, including not being able to make it to the letterbox. Since arriving on the forum in June, things have started to look up. Here are some of the things that have helped me become a bit more active in my daily life and to get out into the world a bit more:

Receiving and giving moral support on this forum
Going to see my GP for the first time in a long while and getting a referral to a new psychiatrist (treatment now going well)
Doing an online CBT-based course called MoodGym (from Australian National University) over a number of weeks
Making a basic daily activity plan that is not too ambitious but gradually extends my self-imposed limits

The 'taking it gradually' approach seems to be working best for me and the sense of support around me via this forum and doctors is helping too.

Wishing you the best.

In response to: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

AlienBP2Senior Contributor13 Oct 2015, 7:20 pm AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Sometimes when in a BP low it is not unusual to become withdrawn....
The lower I feel the more withdrawn I become and don't like people seeing me when I'm in "the Black Hole"... But it passes
It's important you don't isolate everyone like this....family members know but sometimes not all
Exercise is good if your up to it even just a walk .... Things never stay the same forever so just muddle along check your medication with your Dr if it persists he may make some changes...Al

In response to: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

AlienBP2Senior Contributor14 Oct 2015, 12:46 pm AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

If you have been isolated consider s companion dog , research find one that suites your temprement talk it over with family you maybe able yo share the responsibility with them ( ile I do with my brother ..,, the dog will encourage you to go walks to..,,Al

In response to: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

AlienBP2Senior Contributor14 Oct 2015, 12:48 pm AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

There's lots of info about dog breeds and Thiet trmpremts on the net find one for you maybe discuss this with family first
Al

In response to: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

AlienBP2Senior Contributor14 Oct 2015, 1:33 pm AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

I think meditation would help you to..,. Even better if you could join a meditation group.,,, meditation calms rathe mind ; then you will be able to get far greater clarity in time.

" brainstorm" get s piece of paper and write down things you can do circle some of these draws a line and write down some ideas on how to go about this.,,,circle some of these and if you can get a friend to help you go about doing some of these
If you sleep on some of these ideas ( or distract yourself) your subconsious mind may come up with ideas for your consious mind.,,,write these down strait away do easiest first ....Best wishes Allan

In response to: Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Gidday2uCasual Contributor17 Oct 2015, 12:44 am AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Hi Al,

Many thanks for your replies and the useful ideas you have given me. I do have a dog and he is the best medicine ever, he is happy to sit/lay with me and happy to walk and go to the shops. Everyone who meets him falls in love as he is just the happiest fellow. I know he is aware of my moods and provides me with just what I need, he will come up and snuggle his nose then head under my hand, which means he wants me to cuddle him, I'm always happy to oblige him with this.

As for your other suggestions I will take them on board and work toward achieving a more structured day,as at the moment I really don't have any as such which leaves me with no purpose. Thanks again Al I really appreciate your advise. Are you able to share your story with me? Only if you want, no stress if your not inclined. Take care 🙂

In response to: Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Gidday2uCasual Contributor17 Oct 2015, 1:47 am AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Hi Mazarita,

thank you for your kindness in providing me with such good advise, the CBT sounds like a great idea.

One day, one step at a time. I will get there. How are you going ? Have you made it to your letter box?

Take care 🙂 x

In response to: Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

MazaritaSenior Contributor17 Oct 2015, 6:12 am AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Hi @Gidday2u 🙂

Yes, I am making it to the letterbox every day now, out for a walk almost every day, increased social contact, increased domestic tasks, on the exercise bike daily with physio stretching exercises. Hoping I will be able to keep it up and continue to stretch myself further. As you say, one day, one step at a time...

In response to: Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Gidday2uCasual Contributor17 Oct 2015, 10:19 am AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

Hi Mazarita,
I wonder if you could or would like to share what was the break through moment ? I know that I need structure and routine to help me to better MH however, I don't feel like I have a purpose therefore my best intentions are easily discarded. I have asked for help from my psychiatrist by way of a referral to a support service (NEAMI). I have had two discussions with them and I believe I will be assigned a support worker within a few weeks. After my last discharge from hospital in Nov 2013, (my birthday) my recovery has and is hard, hence my asking you the question if there was anyone thing that got you started. I hope my question is not causing you any distress, that is the last thing I'd want to cause you. I am very grateful for your kindness and wisdom. Take care :)x

In response to: Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

MazaritaSenior Contributor17 Oct 2015, 11:10 am AEDT

Re: Withdrawing being a Hermit.

@Gidday2u

All the things I mentioned above are working together to help me make some positive changes day by day and this has added up over the weeks and months.

But if I had to pick just one thing from the list I'd say having a daily activity plan to refer to has especially helped me. It's a basic template I've made up for a 'regular' day that suggests what I can be doing hour by hour. I'm flexible with it and don't beat myself up if I don't achieve everything on it. Even if I fail it completely I don't beat myself up and just try again the next day. But it gives me something to aim for and has resulted in better daily structure which seems to be improving everything for me.

On top of that, I'd suggest staying around the forums if you find them helpful and posting updates on how you are going. You will get positive feedback here for progress and support at other times.

Well wishes.

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