Sharing my life with Ms Sophie (Bipolar II)

It did not escape my notice that Ms S is going through a depressive phase. Do you feel that you are getting better at managing through these periods?

@Former-Member I'm definitely better at spotting when I feel overwhelmed and breaking the circuit earlier before I melt down totally - and also giving myself more support with counselling and self care in general

I also am getting better at boundaries with family and friends - lately I have said no to overcomitting us socially and protected our time and energy .. a new thing for me !

Thankyou @Former-Member @Determined @Smc @Shaz51 @Faith-and-Hope @outlander for your support over the years - I'm feeling a bit vulnerable at the moment and it means a lot knowing you are here and I'm not alone in my struggles

still chasing that elusive 8 dimensions of wellness - guess that will never stop

in the meantime sending you all big hugs 🤗

@Sophie1

We do find ourselves having to continually deal with grief and loss and it was heary warning to hear that you are getting better at circuit breaking. I know that when I start feeling a bit lost that my concentration levels plummet and I become disorganised.

I do feel like I harp on about the 8 dimensions and gratitude and being able to live well in spite of (not in the angelic sense of harping). I think they are a continuous process and as we get better at them our resilience improves. At the moment the physical side of things Is problematic for me, am comfort eating and have not made an appointment for 'secret women's business' as it involves a trip to the big smoke and it is all too hard at the moment. Have got heaps better with our budget and am not feeling any guilt in saying no to things we don't need (esp since decluttering) or if expenditure is not aligned with our financial goals. We have income appropriate allocated amounts allowed for things like food, clothing, transport, gifts, home expenses , etc and by having these documented it gives me permission to spend up to that $$ amount whilst feeling in control and that I am not going to break the bank. I am enjoying the challenge of this at the moment (not sure I will feel the same when I will have to manage on my own ☹️).

Gentle encouragement to keep chipping away, now that restrictions are being lifted would it be appropriate to take a picnic lunch and do a little stroll at a nearby park or wetland to get you both out the house for a short while?

Thank you @Sophie1 ..... 💖💞

Hugs @Former-Member 💜🌷

Been thinking of you and yours @Sophie1

Hi @Former-Member its been the longest wait for my dads results - still playing phone tag with the specialist would you believe ?!

in limbo here

however had session with counsellor this week to talk about managing anxiety around my fathers health .. no magic answer except she gave me some meditation techniques and advised re giving myself space to feel the emotion - name there emotion - observe it - and then put it aside so I can get on with my work or whatever else I need to do

so this sounds like a good tool anyway for big emotions

Not knowing can be quite unsettling.

Naming the emotions is helpful and understanding that whilst we have a lot of different emotions, not all require action on our part.

Great news - Dad's polyp was not cancer so we are all much relieved 😌