General support thread - come on in

[Kielyflower]

I couldn’t see a recent one of these so thought I’d start one.

I just feel I need to do something positive so will hopefully share some more thoughts later that I hope will help - others as well as myself.

In the meantime, feel free to check in as, if nothing else, it helps to feel less alone.

@Jk24 things sound tough with your son. I’m wondering if you can start really small with the mindfulness - literally do 2 mins in the loo at work or something. I think you can find 1-2 min meditations online.

I really like your protected hour idea @TheBuggerlugs I’ve sort of been doing something similar and a bit shorter but might try to be a bit more strict about protecting that time.

Just popping back in to say I have just re-discovered the comfort of a hot water bottle.

Just in case anyone else wants to try it x

@Kielyflower I'll have a look thank you! And good idea about water bottle. Dh bought me one for Xmas. Enjoy x

Week 7 of Sertraline and I've been ridiculously anxious and panicky over the last 2 days.

It’s gone a bit quiet here, how is everyone? Do come share - either your bits of positivity or your woes.

I feel a bit crap but kind of just flat and a bit crap in the way a mentally healthy person might feel down, rather than full on depressed or anxious IYSWIM. Hence I don’t feel like I can grumble but also don’t feel terribly chirpy either. Am looking forward to bedtime which is never a great sign at before 5pm. But also, I’m not dreading the morning and the week, so that’s a good sign.

Ah, cross post. Sorry to hear this. Could it be hormonal? It’s been the weekend so wondering if that brings additional stresses?

I have often found that a couple of dodgy days is followed by a better day and vice verse. Maybe see what tmrw bring? Fingers crossed for you.

@Kielyflower hopefully a good night's sleep will help! Sounds like you're exhausted

Hi @Jk24 how are you? Do you feel like the meds or CBT are helping yet?

I’ve woken up feeling rubbish : anxious and restless and fairly low. Hoping things will improve as the day goes on.

Sorry not to be bringing a bit more positivity this morning. I hate struggling like this.

@Werenearlytherexmas2024 how are you doing? Glad you found this thread.

Hi @Kielyflower well Wednesday last week was a really bad day for me. Then Thursday to Sunday seemed much easier (not sure if meds kicked in its 4 weeks tomorrow) but today I've woke up feeling very much like yourself...

Is there anything that's triggered you today? How did you sleep?

@TheBuggerlugs sorry your feeling like this! I get beer fear when I've had too much to drink which is thankfully only once or twice a year. Be kind to yourself. We all need a blow out occasionally

You think that now but next time you had a couple and don't get too drunk and realise you can enjoy it you'll change your mind. I did the same thing before Xmas. Had a blow out and felt anxious for a week after. Didn't drink for a couple of week then just had a couple and enjoyed it rather than getting drunk.

I think when you suffer for anxiety anyway it plays a huge part when you're hungover. Remember, nothing bad happened, you're an adult and entitled to have the occasional blow out.

There may be some triggers involved - it’s hard to say. I have the tendency to overanalyse and ruminate on whatever is going on in my life at any time.

But @TheBuggerlugs is absolutely right about showing myself compassion, thank you for the pep talk. Sorry to hear of the hangziety. I had that a while ago and it was hideous. Hopefully today is the day it passes.

@Jk24 do you mean you woke up feeling a bit rubbish too? May be it’s a Monday morning thing?

I didn’t sleep brilliantly but it wasn’t awful either. What about you? I know things are tricky with your DS. Do you find your moods depend on how things are with him? I used to get that a lot when mine were younger and still do to some extent.

@Kielyflower I didn't sleep well either so it does impact you the next day. I think I've been feeling guilty too for having a few ok days... not sure. How have you been this afternoon?

Why do you feel guilty for feeling well? @Jk24 That’s really harsh on yourself, bless you.

I guess I’ve been a bit better this afternoon. Have found a bit more right and determination from somewhere, fragile though it feels.

Hope you have a better sleep tonight, please be kind to yourself.

@Kielyflower have you considered yoga? I'm thinking of trying it myself at home. It's been recommended and you can use YouTube. Hopefully a good night's sleep tonight will help too and maybe get the hot water bottle out again?

I've been feeling guilty as my grief over losing my ddog has eased a little 😞 it's been a really rough process for me to deal with on top of everything else

Ah, sorry, yes I understand the guilt/grief dynamic. I think I got confused earlier when I said DS, my memory and cognitive function is not at its best atm.

Yoga is a good idea, I’ve done classes before and enjoyed it, I find it harder to do on my own but I’m sure it would help. Even just some gentle stretches.

Being kind to yourself still applies - to you @Jk24 and all on this thread x

@Kielyflower I do have a ds too who doesn't sleep well so that doesn't help!

I'm going to try the online yoga at some point this week. Guess we've got to push ourselves don't we.

You also be kind to yourself. Fill your hot water bottle and try and get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day and hopefully a good one. Thanks for sharing today and for your kind words x

How are you both feeling today @Kielyflower @TheBuggerlugs

Hi @Jk24 thank you for asking and checking in. I’m not having a very good day if I’m honest, but I’ve had a lot worse. Feel a bit like my life is slipping through my fingers atm. I think maybe I am lacking purpose.

I am trying to be accepting of things as they are whilst also taking steps to improve things. It’s just hard going at times.

Also a fine line between trying to keep busy and trying to give myself a break.

How about you @Jk24?

@Kielyflower if you can't think of another purpose your children are certainly your main purpose. Were all here for a reason and some of us have it harder than others but there's a reason for that. We can handle it. As shit as it is at times and my god I know how hard it can be, we get through it. Is there anything particular bothering you atm? Has anything changed? Do you have support?

I've also had much worse days but there's currently a constant sadness. A knot in my stomach and general anxiety is always there x

I can’t tell you how much it means to read your kind words @Jk24 . Thank you.

My children are my world and I am very hard on myself when I don’t think I’m doing a good job of it. Rationally, I am doing a good job of it but the doubts and worries get the better of me sometimes.

In theory I do have support (DH and other family/friends) but I still feel like it’s not enough, ie people don’t understand what it’s like. I think this is probably part of my issues though. I am having counselling, which quite frankly is really painful (talking about past traumas).

There is a specific issue that’s changed and that’s bothering me but I’m worried it’s outing. And it feels like it’s of my own making so I feel crap about that.

Thank you for listening.

Do you think your sadness is to be expected as part of the grieving process? Have you read up on grief or shared how you feel IRL? These things take time.

I have found exercise helpful for anxiety as well as relaxation techniques.

It’s hard for me to find helpful words but I am around to listen and hand hold.

Also wondering how you are @ladybee2 ? Has your anxiety subsided a bit?

Hi. I would like to join this thread as a long time anxiety and OCD sufferer.