@HillsBesideTheSea that sounds like a good collection of new reads to dig into! Thanks for mentioning the importance of 'giving yourself the grace to process all that is needed to be processed'. I needed to hear that. Your point about sugar is a wise one too, I am very aware of the need to avoid it but you're totally right, it's easy to overeat it when sad. And yes, I hear you on the longing for lighter mornings. It is very hard to have any get up and go when it's still pitch black outside.
@speakout "they can trash a house more easily than a dozen drunk teenagers" this made me grin, it's very true. I'm so pleased to hear of all the wonderful support you have available to you, I'm sure the counselling will be a huge salve. Thank you for the glass cleaning tip, that sounds very effective.
@queenrollo Thanks for suggesting the print out, I am going to push for it (if they even agree to run bloods). I'm sorry to hear you had a tough time of it when you had your son too. Daily urticaria sounds awful! Would you mind telling me more about your experience with the medical herbalist? There is a Chinese medicine person in our town and I have thought about going to him on and off for several months now. On another note, your son's science lessons sound incredible!
@VioletCharlotte Thank you so much for the kind response and all the empathy, I feel almost ridiculous in my response, reading these kind words has brought a lump to my throat. Especially the bit about becoming a parent in the pandemic, it was so hard. I was quite ill after giving birth and it was literally just DH, DD and me and somehow we had to muddle through without any support. I think it has traumatized me a bit to be honest. Self care and time sounds like a very sensible direction to go in.
@BlankTimes Thank you for all the advice on gut health - I buy in sauerkraut and kimchi from our local health shop, but I would love to have a go at making my own. I absolutely love the taste of fermented food! So interesting about the dental hygiene too, I had no idea it was linked to other issues. You inspired a deep floss and session with my electric toothbrush this morning.
@Trenzalor A PhD in creative writing sounds immense! I will keep everything crossed you find a home for your manuscript.
@AnotherCrazyBirdLady Thank you for the window cleaning tip, now I have no excuses! I really do agree with you that almost everyone in my life is going through big 'stuff' right now. It's been a crazy couple of years; I long for a period of calm flatness.
@Elasticatedwaist I'm sorry to hear your vitamin D level were low, it's great to hear the new amount is making a big difference for you though. It's crazy what these seemingly minor changes can do isn't it?
Thank you all so so so much for taking the time to answer my call out for help, I can't tell you how supported and nurtured I feel. You've all encouraged me to take practical steps and I have done an e-consult at my GPs to hopefully get some blood tests done.
Wishing you all a peaceful, magical day xx