My special place

Thanks for checking in with me @NatureLover

I'm ok, just went and picked up a few things for xmas day. Hoping I have finished now.

A bit worried about my psych and pdoc taking time off at the same time.

How are you going?

Hi @Snowie , yes, I know your supports taking time off is worrying. Is it 6 weeks, the time you won't have those supports?

And has that 6 weeks started now for you?

It's good news that SANE will still be around most days, but I know we can't go as deep here online.

Is Christmas a happy time for you, or too stressful having to pretend?

I speak to my pdoc this week and then the 6 weeks will start @NatureLover

I'm glad they are having time off, they deserve it, but at the same time I wish they weren't.

I just have to remember other supports I can reach out too.

I find Christmas a very mixed time. I love being around my kids but hate the family things. I am estranged from some of my family so that makes things very difficult. Normally it is just plastering that fake smile on my face and putting my big girl pants on.

How does your christmas normally go?

OK, that's good you have your pdoc this week, which day is that?

Sorry to hear some of your Chrisas is awful. I know your mother will probably be nasty to you about your brother? 😥

I don't celebrate Christmas any more or go to family Christmas, after too many abusive Christmases all my life. It's much better for me, and I volunteer at Christmas instead.

@Snowie

My mum has already started about my brother @NatureLover Nothing new so I just have to accept it, ignore her and move on.

Speak to my pdoc on Thursday.

I'm sorry you have had to go through so much over christmas. I do understand why some people try to avoid it altogether.

Thats so nice of you to volunteer your time hon. Can I ask what you normally do?

Sorry for delay in replying, I got distracted by the pruning as it's such a lovely day outside. ☀️ Am back inside now, resting.

So sorry your mum's started already 😣

Normally I volunteer twice a week at a charity, just 5-hour shifts. Then on Cmas Day I volunteer here on the forums.

I hope your day today is a good / better one @Snowie 💙

Thats very nice of you to volunteer @NatureLover Shows that you have such a big heart.

Today is just a quiet one at home.

Same here @Snowie .

I find the volunteering helps me to feel competent at something and gives me structure to my week. It's also provided new friends for me after most of my friends dumped me during my 3 year nervous breakdown, 15 years ago.

How are you feeling today?

I'm glad you have your volunteering work then @NatureLover

Sometimes giving back can help us so much.

I think you learn quite quickly who your true friends are when you have MH issues. I lost all of mine too. But I guess to get I have to give first which I didn't do.

My friends are here now.

I'm ok today. Just having an easy day at home after a busy one yesterday.

I'm sad you lost all your friends too, due to your MH @Snowie 😥

Am so glad to hear you're OK so far today 💙