Distract me…

[Scutterbug]

I’m really struggling. Very suicidal and suffering extreme anxiety and depression. I’m seeing and hearing things. I need to get through to tomorrow afternoon when my care coordinator is visiting me. Has anyone any ideas?
I’ve done some colouring on my phone. Played a game on my laptop. Finding tv and music difficult as I hear voices and they interact with one another. I’m hoping I might sleep a bit later.

Sorry to hear you are feeling like this. Will reading take your mind elsewhere for a while? Do you have someone to speak to IRL? or who can come and stay with you?

Dear OP, I am sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly. Do you enjoy being outdoors? I would think that going out, being in the nature, should be beneficial for mental health and much better then staying in, it does work for me, but everyone is different. Do you enjoy yoga, can you take a bath and listen to some gentle music? I hope you manage to get through the days. Hugs.

Thank you both. I have family here but they won’t discuss my MH so I can’t talk to them. I’m struggling to concentrate on a book but might try again in a bit.
I can’t go out, I should have said in my OP that I don’t leave my home, my anxiety is too bad. I do occasionally go in the garden which I will try again tomorrow.

Sending strength to get through til tomorrow OP.

Are any of these suggestions useful?

• writing in a journal
• reading
• decluttering a drawer or cleaning a room
• calm breathing exercises ( lots on YouTube if you can stand it]
• writing lists
• drawing/ crafts
• definitely time in garden

so sorry to hear you are feeling this way.
Hope you get some relief soon 💐

Would it help to write down how you are feeling?

Or to write a story x

thank you both, writing down how I’m feeling in a journal is a good idea. Thank you.

OP I'm so sorry you're going through a bit of a rubbish phase. You'll get some great support tomorrow when you see your CC. Until then, focus on peaceful, calming, relaxing thoughts - visualise your favourite places & imagine what you'll do next time you are there. Maybe now is not the right time to go outside, but when the sun shines & the flowers are peaking out, nature will be waiting to show you little drops of optimism and hope for the future.

Sorry you are struggling @Scutterbug

Relaxing bath?
Mindless computer game like candy crush?
Baking some cupcakes?
Podcasts or talk radio like LBC?
Tidying up some clutter

Are you able to access audiobooks. I find them very helpful. I hope this bad patch will be soon over for you.

Also try Insight Timer app where you can listen to free relaxation exercises.

Sorry to hear you're not well. Sounds horrible for you.

I'd try and do something physical. It'll help distract you for a little bit. Reading books etc I doubt you'll have the concentration for and your mind may keep wandering.

I'd keep it really simple and set yourself a little list of tasks. (So satisfying to tick it off, makes you feel you've achieved something !) So for example, "wipe up cups on drainer " (tick) "clean teeth" . I know it sounds a little daft but things like this can be distracting as well as make you feel good. I've done this in the past when I've had bad bouts.

I hope you get some useful help tomorrow. Good luck. And most importantly of all - be bloody nice to yourself ! (Most people suffering mental ill health are so horrible to themselves) You matter.

Hi please don't do anything. Keep going. You are worth it. Keep on Mumsnet tonight there is always company. There are hand holds 24/7.
Cliché song lyrics warning.
Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
Many of us have been where you are tonight and thankfully we are still here. . because tomorrow is another day. The sun rises the sun sets. We can go on.
Can you find a funny podcast to listen to to get you through.

Be really kind to yourself. What small things can you do to make yourself feel nice & nurtured? Be your best friend to yourself.

Can you make a list of things you enjoy and could do in the next few hours /day before you see your CC?

How about a shower or scented bubble bath followed by using a nice scented body lotion? (If you like that kind of thing!)
Cup of hot milk or hot chocolate
File & Paint your nails
Puzzles - crossword, wordle, solitaire, candy crush
Bake some cakes or cookies
Make a nice healthy snack -
Listen to a meditation - bbc sounds has some or YouTube
YouTube yoga
Get some rest/sleep

Or small jobs you can do?
Declutter a draw or sort your handbag or purse out.
Sewing? - any clothes need repairing or buttons to reattach?
Clean the bathroom or fold some washing

If you feel very anxious can you do some breathing or grounding exercises - name 5 things you can see, four you can touch, three you can smell, two you can hear, one you can taste.

This will pass. It feels horrible now but it's just a moment. Keep yourself safe and get some rest when you can. I hope your CC helps you get the help & support you need. Take care

How are you doing @Scutterbug ?

Good morning @Scutterbug
How are you doing this morning?
Not long before your CC’s visit!

Morning @Scutterbug,
Hope you managed some sleep.
Another MNer here, thinking of you as you go through your day x

I am also thinking of you and hoping you have had some sleep and will be well again soon.

Thank you to you all, it has really helped knowing you have taken the time to respond to me. I’m just not in a very good place but my CC is coming in a couple of hours x

I hope that meeting goes well.

Hope you're ok @Scutterbug

How are you doing this evening @Scutterbug.

Hi @Scutterbug , I hope your visit went well!

If I’m ever feeling overwhelmed, I do the A-Z in my head (or out loud).
I’ll pick a random topic, literally any topic, then go through the alphabet and pick a word related to that topic.
It really occupies your mind and you might even make yourself laugh when you get to the trickier letters and find yourself saying “zapple” for a “fruit beginning with Z” 🥲

Temperature manipulation can help. Focusing on the feel of ice cubes, imagining yourself in an ice house.

I hope the CC visit was useful. What I really get here is reaching out for help and inspiration in the moment.

How did your visit by the CC go?

Thank you again everyone. We talked about whether I would be better in hospital as I’m so unsafe but decided against it for now. She’s coming back to see me next week. I am seeing a psychologist for the first time tomorrow. Very, very anxious as I don’t usually leave my house. Think it’s all getting on top of me.