What is your motivation to continue

Thank you @Former-Member for reminding me of things that I enjoy in life.

Hi @Bunniekins,

This is a great reminder. Thank you.

hi @Former-Member

i know its so so hard and i understand your suicidal thoughts. sometimes giving up can seem the easiest way out ...

but, dont give up....please....things can and will change...i feel we must look at all the options out there...

i believe that aside from medication there are alternatives..

as well as my staring issues i also do the blushing thing and with the two combined... well life can be incredibly difficult...

both problems have stopped me connecting with people [i used to be very social] and have prevented me from engaging with people i like or care about. it make me feel really isolated and at times quite crazy...

a couple of things:

have you ever tried wearing glasses?

either fake glasses or tinted lenses.

there's something about wearing them that provides a kind of shield / mask and can help you to feel not as exposed or emotionally vulnerable. so when u go shopping or talk to people..you are present but you have a little protective barrier enabling some form of distance and separation..

i haVE JUST ordered some on the recommendation of a friend who suffers terrible social anxiety and she says they work wonders.

also it may sound super cliched but meditation can be very powerful. the point is our mind is the problem in all of this... it overthinks...creates problems where there are non and can make life a lviing hell. meditation can help u to distance yourself from the negative mind chatter.

i also think that you need to find a supportive community where you will be accepted regardless of your behaviours. i used to go to a buddhist meditation group and found the buddhists were incredibly tolerant and accepting. or find a group in your area that deals with mental illness...a support group...

do you live in a city or somewhere remote?

i think you need a loving supportive community to give your life purpose

well just some ideas for you

a big hug to you mate XxXxx

Hello @Liverpoolgal,

Thank you for your response. I tried sunglasses and it did not work. Since, I also got facial blushing and swallowing OCD people get offended. There are mental illness groups in my area, however, none have experience with the issues I am dealing with. I will consider trying meditation.

when you say people get offended are you certain they are offended? or could itbe that your self consciousness and anxiety projects that? im just wondering..becuase i would understand if you were shouting at them ...were aggressive or moody...but blushing and swallowing is in fact harmless , non threatening behaviour...one would assume you were shy or anxious...but that is not threatening to others if you see what i mean.

it might appear like a tick...but i dont see why that would make people fearful

do you have any friends you can talk to..if only one?

do research and find a meditation group made up of kind, open hearted people. they do exist i promise! the key is for us to find a space with people where we can feel safe...it might take time, as will the meditation process, but its so worth it in the long run

best of luck to you and a big hug from me. you are not alone XXXX

I get it I am the same. I have 4 chronic illnesses and my life is just one sturggle everyday. never know what one is going to play the leading role. I was in a loving relationship for over a decade which gave me strength and support. After he left me recently I feel like I'm just left with pain, illness and fatigue. I lost my home, my best friend and am in a career change because I couldnt physically continue the job I had. I have been through several major traumas and feel very very alone.

People keep telling me there is plenty to live for and I should get 'perspective' but unless they have walked in my shoes they dont get it. It doesnt help I have suffered for years in silence with both physical and mental health issues. I cant see the point or purpose to be here.

And to say that its the easy way out well for me thats the furthest from the truth. I feel it would be the only way to completely easy my pain but I'm still here because its hard to do. I am living for other people not for me. The guilt of hurting others is holding me back.

theres a thread on here called 'what give you hope?' theres some motivational stuff on there, feel free to add what gives you hope as well @Liverpoolgal@Former-Member@rosey@Tyler01

@Former-Memberim pretty sure your on there, maybe i should bump it up?

Hi @outlander

I did write a post on there. That was a good thread you started 😊