Mental Wellness Support Group

[fireproof78]

I'm feeling very worn down by everything happening in the US and the world right now.

Agreed.

I read an interesting idea that resonated with me. We humans simply are not meant to try to carry huge burdens of other people. We used to be primarily in our local town and city, focused on those communities. But now, with the Advent of the Internet, we can be in a constant state of fear. There's no relief.

I encourage all to start trying to take a break from the news, and from the world news. Despite what news would have us think, we are going to survive. I heard the same talking points since 2001, and have heard about the end of the world for even longer, i.e a new ice age, the ozone layer, global warming, and climate change. Yet, life proceeds on, and we can effect change in our community.

 

[Set Harth]

The good news is that the ice age should help with all the global warming.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Except we have a different ICE Age in the U.S.

 

[Aragorn]

So my parents are the oldest in their generation of the family, meaning assuming lifespans are all equal (which we know they're not) they'll be the first to go. Well it looks like that time is coming sooner rather than later. We actually thought it would be one of them but now it looks like it's going to be the other one. Not sure how to process it. Also wondering about a eulogy because I have nothing to say. There wasn't really much of a relationship with either parent. See them all the time but it's pretty superficial, an emotional distance.

 

[fireproof78]

The stress right now is overwhelming as I consider a possible new job.

 

[Birb-of-Prey]

I'm feeling very worn down by everything happening in the US and the world right now.

Likewise. But also pissed. We all need to be more pissed. Don't listen to the other franchise; hatred can in fact be channeled for good.

On my end, I've stopped drinking and started taking daily walks.

 

[Gryffindorian]

My dearest friend Maggie passed early last week after a short battle with lung cancer. I was shocked and devastated when I heard the sad news from her son. Shocked, because I wasn't expecting her to be gone so soon.

Just before the 4th of July holiday, I got a call from her while she was staying at a rehab facility. She sounded really well, like her old usual self. It seemed she was responding well to immunotherapy. She told me she couldn't wait to get back home while her sons made some improvements around her house. We chatted for a little bit, which would he the last time I ever heard her voice. I texted a couple of times afterwards, although she might not have had the time or energy to check her phone, but I did want her to know that I was thinking of her.

When I spoke to her son, I was stunned to learn that Maggie had suffered a stroke the week before, and she was taken to the hospital. While her speech was limited, she was still sharp and could communicate with her family. In addition to heart complications, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.

I'd never had a friend like her before, and I doubt I will again. She and I remained friends for almost 27 years, and we were like family to each other.

 

[Commander Troi]

I'm so sorry for your loss. *hugs*

 

[Avro Arrow]

My deepest sympathies, Gryffindorian.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Hope everyone's new year is off to a good start. I realize this time of year, some people may be experiencing post-holiday blues, while others are just glad the holidays are over. It's usually the former for me.

I've been under a lot of stress and anxiety lately. Two Sundays ago, I fell from my bed while putting away Christmas decorations. I hurt my shoulder pretty bad, resulting in a fractured humerus. While I'm starting to get better, I've been in a lot of pain and discomfort. I haven't slept very well. Everything from brushing my teeth to taking a shower has been a challenge. I've been off work all this time, a week during the holidays, and now because of the injury.

I found out from the orthopedist that I needed surgery for my shoulder, which is scheduled for Monday of next week. Although this will be an outpatient procedure, it all just feels so overwhelming to me. I've never had an injury that required a surgery before. I've been reading up on medical information in anticipation of the next few weeks of recovery.

I'm just grateful I have family who will be helping out before and after the surgery, especially a nurse sister who's been so helpful in providing advice and medical insights. My friends and colleagues are there to provide moral support as well.

 

[bdub76]

I encourage all to start trying to take a break from the news, and from the world news. Despite what news would have us think, we are going to survive. I heard the same talking points since 2001, and have heard about the end of the world for even longer, i.e a new ice age, the ozone layer, global warming, and climate change. Yet, life proceeds on, and we can effect change in our community.

This.

I mostly stopped watching and reading the news outside of some tech stuff last summer. I feel much better as a result. The weird thing is that I only started watching and reading news in my 40s. I never realized how it messes you up. It creates anxiety that is unnecessary.

Sticking to fiction reading over nonfiction reading also helps.

 

[fireproof78]

mostly stopped watching and reading the news outside of some tech stuff last summer. I feel much better as a result. The weird thing is that I only started watching and reading news in my 40s. I never realized how you messes you up. It creates anxiety that is unnecessary.

Agreed.

 

[Turtletrekker]

SAD from the accursed Long Dark of the Pacific Northwest, fighting off and recovering from the nastiest virus that's hit me in years and the resulting social isolation is just making me mean. No other way to describe it. SAD always hits me hard but this year has just been hell.

 

[Gryffindorian]

SAD from the accursed Long Dark of the Pacific Northwest, fighting off and recovering from the nastiest virus that's hit me in years and the resulting social isolation is just making me mean. No other way to describe it. SAD always hits me hard but this year has just been hell.

Hope you feel better, and I'm glad you're recovering from the virus. I've had Seasonal Affective Disorder before, combined with OCD thoughts. At the time, I was already on Prozac. So I attended a mental health seminar that my HMO provided, which helped immensely.

I'm recovering nicely from the proximal humerus surgery earlier this week. The pain has been manageable. I'm taking three different pain meds, with Norco as a fourth option, which I've had to take only twice. Lots of rest at home, ice compresses, and my family telling me I shouldn't be opening a bottled water on my own to prevent straining my shoulder, among other things. I've been sleeping better.

There were times I was down in the dumps, thinking why bother to get out of bed when you couldn't do half the things you did before? But I've been meditating a lot lately to keep myself grounded. I have a follow-up with surgeon in a couple of weeks, and then PT starts after that. Can't wait to get back to my mundane normal life!

 

[Set Harth]

Ironically the humerus is no joke!

 

[Gryffindorian]

Well, it just seems I can't catch a break.

I found out today that I will need another surgery along the way. This revelation from my orthopedic surgeon came two weeks to this day after my previous surgery. The Xrays showed the bone fragment didn't quite fuse to the proximal humerus, so the procedure has to be redone.

I don't mind the pain, which I've been managing well. It's the thought of being limited in my movements and activities in the coming weeks, and months, as I'm expected to be on modified duty and continued partial disability through July of this year.

It has been a challenge staying home and not being able to do the things I love, and see my friends. I hope things will get better in the next go-round. I'm just hoping for the best, but it's hard to stay positive sometimes. I continue to meditate, journal, and practice gratitude.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

 

[Commander Troi]

I went to the Celebration of Life for a friend's mom on Saturday and found myself thinking how little "nice" I have to say about my own mother (who is very much alive btw). It really bothers me.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Surgery #2 went well this past Tuesday. It's supposed to be more secure than the first one, so we shall see the progress in the coming weeks.

I've said that my family and friends have been my source of strength through all this. My sister Annie in particular has been incredibly caring and supportive. She stayed with me for a few days and took care of me in the best possible ways I've experienced in a long time. Granted, I don't get seriously ill or injured very often. But the fact remains she has been heaven-sent. She helped prepare meals and do chores around the house. Her presence and compassion meant a lot to me, especially since we each face our own mental and emotional struggles. She's practicing CBT for her insomnia, and I wish her the best.

I have not had a chance to journal lately due to limited arm movements, but I continue to meditate. The other night, I found myself catastrophizing. I keep reminding myself that while I can't control my thoughts, or certain external events in life, I can pause and choose how I respond.

Hope everyone is well. Take care.