Mental Wellness Support Group

[Westie1701]

I'm very grateful today for having wandered in here to find kindred souls - damaged, perhaps, bent but not broken - and feeling the kindness and support that you all share. It's a privilege to read your stories that are contributed so bravely, and my heart already feels lighter in knowing that I am not alone when the world gets to be too much.

Many hugs to one and all as you make your way through the maze, and thank you for such a lovely, safe place to talk.

 

[Commander Troi]

We all have our struggles. If we can't be kind, what's the point.

 

[think]

Welcome @Westie1701 I am glad you are here-- it is good to have more people post in here- we are growing in size-

Gratitude --- so everyday for 1 month yesterday I have written everyday in my journal -- daily this is very new territory something that is daily was never apart of my life and now it is --- I start my journal with my gratitude list usually 3 or more gratitudes -- then my Affirmation list of things I am striving for and things I need to remind myself of- these things are like I affirm I am safe.. something simple but without me saying this to myself I don't feel safe --- mmmm well I don't feel safe is usual for me-- but affirming I am safe does help- after the two lists I write my feelings journal and possible a dream recollection of the previous night- more things will be journaled I am keeping up daily and that is amazing for me I have many journals from the 90's till today all of which have at the most 5 days in a row if that- so brand new territory for me-

 

[Westie1701]

Welcome @Westie1701 I am glad you are here-- it is good to have more people post in here- we are growing in size-

Gratitude --- so everyday for 1 month yesterday I have written everyday in my journal -- daily this is very new territory something that is daily was never apart of my life and now it is --- I start my journal with my gratitude list usually 3 or more gratitudes -- then my Affirmation list of things I am striving for and things I need to remind myself of- these things are like I affirm I am safe.. something simple but without me saying this to myself I don't feel safe --- mmmm well I don't feel safe is usual for me-- but affirming I am safe does help- after the two lists I write my feelings journal and possible a dream recollection of the previous night- more things will be journaled I am keeping up daily and that is amazing for me I have many journals from the 90's till today all of which have at the most 5 days in a row if that- so brand new territory for me-

Thank you so much, @think - I'm glad to be here, and that you're here, too

And thank you for posting your journey - when you said "mmmm well I don't feel safe is usual for me" it really hit home. Seeing it put so plainly and truthfully was a revelation.

It's wonderful that you find comfort in journaling ! I normally don't have the patience, but I love your idea to write down what you're grateful for - I'm going to steal that if you don't mind...

Today I'm grateful for this thread and the people who share so freely and honestly - when I'm here I feel safe.

 

[Malicia]

Welcome @Westie1701 I am glad you are here-- it is good to have more people post in here- we are growing in size-

Gratitude --- so everyday for 1 month yesterday I have written everyday in my journal -- daily this is very new territory something that is daily was never apart of my life and now it is --- I start my journal with my gratitude list usually 3 or more gratitudes -- then my Affirmation list of things I am striving for and things I need to remind myself of- these things are like I affirm I am safe.. something simple but without me saying this to myself I don't feel safe --- mmmm well I don't feel safe is usual for me-- but affirming I am safe does help- after the two lists I write my feelings journal and possible a dream recollection of the previous night- more things will be journaled I am keeping up daily and that is amazing for me I have many journals from the 90's till today all of which have at the most 5 days in a row if that- so brand new territory for me-

Great to read that @think and thanks for the idea as I will also use that and make a daily list of what I'm thankful for. Anything that encourages putting pen to paper or reading is helping me realise that living life at the bottom of a whiskey bottle is no life at all. I've been keeping a strict track of my alcohol unit intake for the last five days writing it down every time I have a drink which is the longest I've lasted and it's been an eye opener. Some days I've been at 30+ units and some are only half that and it's keeping records that makes me feel like I'm taking back control. A few days ago my dad suggested I read about Matt Talbot (wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Talbot) and that has been a turning point. His story is inspirational and it's now my goal to emulate it. I have relatives that were lifelong Pioneers and one day I hope to be able to wear a Pioneer pin with pride as they did. I'm learning the Matt Talbot prayer to recite daily and am going to create my own so I have something to say in my mind when I am tempted to have that extra drink or not go to bed at a reasonable time or skip meals. Ever since I was a kid I've hated going to bed and would stay up until the early hours which back then meant more time to read the Beano under my bed sheets with a torch but now all it means is more drinking time so I'm aiming for a 10pm lights out 7 days a week.

 

[think]

Thank you so much, @think - I'm glad to be here, and that you're here, too

And thank you for posting your journey - when you said "mmmm well I don't feel safe is usual for me" it really hit home. Seeing it put so plainly and truthfully was a revelation.

It's wonderful that you find comfort in journaling ! I normally don't have the patience, but I love your idea to write down what you're grateful for - I'm going to steal that if you don't mind...

Today I'm grateful for this thread and the people who share so freely and honestly - when I'm here I feel safe.

Please steal away--- I am grateful you are stealing this --- it really is a great exercise--

Great to read that @think and thanks for the idea as I will also use that and make a daily list of what I'm thankful for. Anything that encourages putting pen to paper or reading is helping me realise that living life at the bottom of a whiskey bottle is no life at all. I've been keeping a strict track of my alcohol unit intake for the last five days writing it down every time I have a drink which is the longest I've lasted and it's been an eye opener. Some days I've been at 30+ units and some are only half that and it's keeping records that makes me feel like I'm taking back control. A few days ago my dad suggested I read about Matt Talbot (wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Talbot) and that has been a turning point. His story is inspirational and it's now my goal to emulate it. I have relatives that were lifelong Pioneers and one day I hope to be able to wear a Pioneer pin with pride as they did. I'm learning the Matt Talbot prayer to recite daily and am going to create my own so I have something to say in my mind when I am tempted to have that extra drink or not go to bed at a reasonable time or skip meals. Ever since I was a kid I've hated going to bed and would stay up until the early hours which back then meant more time to read the Beano under my bed sheets with a torch but now all it means is more drinking time so I'm aiming for a 10pm lights out 7 days a week.

writing gratitude lists are great- please use this idea --- It makes me happy you are doing this-- keeping a drink journal is excellent I was introduced to Matt Talbot back in the early 90's when I was coming down from lots of alcohol the AA people have Matt Talbot retreats and stuff--- it is like a weekend of being with other who a about Matt Talbot- I don't know much about it but I have the literature they have and I have kept it since I believe- I would usually write out the food I eat-- this type of food journal helps me know where my weight is coming from--- I did write out every cigarette I smoked but yeah at 1 cig ever 10 minutes all day long it was not possible really- but It did help me recognize how bad a smoker I was--- I am going to have 16 years without smoking cigarettes on January 13th next year-- I think I don't like them anymore either- - as for prayers I did make my own pray based on the serenity prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept who I am
the courage to change who I am
and the wisdom to know who I am-

I have made others too

but yeah. ACA is like

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I can not change
the courage to change the one I can
and the wisdom to know that one is me.

 

[Commander Troi]

I've been using a food diary with my weight loss/health efforts. Anything that helps me be more mindful is useful for me.

@think, I *love* your version of the serenity prayer! I'm going to put both of those in my journal.

 

[Westie1701]

Just eight days until Thanksgiving and I'm getting a bit of anticipatory anxiety - apparently I like to plan ahead for when I'll be nervous or upset...

One of my sisters likes to target me as the recipient of her passive-aggressive, backhanded "compliments" when it comes to holiday dinners - as in "Great turkey, Westie - so much better when you don't burn it, haha... !"

The last time I burned a turkey - and it wasn't even really burned - was when George H.W. Bush was in office !

Despite hosting something like 50 very successful family holidays & gatherings she keeps doing back to one thing from decades ago, and then reverts to the patented "I'm just joking". I've had some success over the years with things like saying "Do you know how small it makes you look when you say that ?", and one year, after a glass of wine, I yelled "Why are you always such a c*** ?!", which had my family falling out of their chairs with laughter, but this year I'm just going to ignore it.

She is petty and sad and doesn't have anything meaningful to contribute to the conversation, so I suppose that's her way of trying to be included, but I'm not going to let it hurt me. I can do this.

 

[shapeshifter]

Me too and I am doing something about it right now, Thanksgiving Dinner (and subsequent leftovers through this weekend) is in the oven.

The sale on Butterball turkeys @.98 cents a pound, helped make the decision easy. Too good a price to skip just because I could not fit it in the freezer. It got thawed in the fridge so what else could I do?
Also on deck, a green bean casserole and stuffing and mashed potatoes. WYWH!

Of course last minute turkey sales will have me repeating today next Thursday and that is fine with me.

 

[Commander Troi]

Just eight days until Thanksgiving and I'm getting a bit of anticipatory anxiety - apparently I like to plan ahead for when I'll be nervous or upset...

One of my sisters likes to target me as the recipient of her passive-aggressive, backhanded "compliments" when it comes to holiday dinners - as in "Great turkey, Westie - so much better when you don't burn it, haha... !"

The last time I burned a turkey - and it wasn't even really burned - was when George H.W. Bush was in office !

Despite hosting something like 50 very successful family holidays & gatherings she keeps doing back to one thing from decades ago, and then reverts to the patented "I'm just joking". I've had some success over the years with things like saying "Do you know how small it makes you look when you say that ?", and one year, after a glass of wine, I yelled "Why are you always such a c*** ?!", which had my family falling out of their chairs with laughter, but this year I'm just going to ignore it.

She is petty and sad and doesn't have anything meaningful to contribute to the conversation, so I suppose that's her way of trying to be included, but I'm not going to let it hurt me. I can do this.

Yes, you can.

I know what you mean. I'm not looking forward to being with my parents. They are crazyass rightwing evangelical Christian Trump supporters who won't wear masks or get vaccinated.

Somehow, I will not fight with them or drink or eat too much. Or want to kill them.

At least we go out for dinner. No cooking or cleanup.

 

[Westie1701]

Yes, you can.

I know what you mean. I'm not looking forward to being with my parents. They are crazyass rightwing evangelical Christian Trump supporters who won't wear masks or get vaccinated.

Somehow, I will not fight with them or drink or eat too much. Or want to kill them.

At least we go out for dinner. No cooking or cleanup.

You can do it, too - we both can !

Many hugs for what you're preparing for - I don't know how I'd react in the same situation, as I suppose I'm lucky that the crazy people in my family aren't crazy in that particular way...

Wear a mask - wear two ! - and take hand sanitizer and Lysol and maybe a Hazmat suit, and check in here if you can. I'll be looking for you when I can sneak away and sending good thoughts

 

[Commander Troi]

be looking for you when I can sneak away and sending good thoughts

Ditto.

 

[think]

I'm really glad I found this thread; I just hope what happened to me fits the topic;

In 2007, I suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) from an assault where I was struck repeatedly with a blunt instrument (amongst other injuries to my body all over). By the time I was able to receive medical assistance (it was delayed due to circumstances), I was a royal mess. The damage was centered in the occiptial and pareital regions of the brain, affecting movement and vision. I also ended up with a seizure condition, making things even worse.

Following this, I began also developing depressive moods that my friends and family assumed were "just due to the events of the assault"; at a later appointment, the Neurologist explained that it was common to have damage to the emotional centers of the brain given the type of injuries I sustained. It didn't help that I had been an artist, and that my coordination, visual perception and such were all screwed up now and I had largely lost my gift.

After 14 years, it is still a struggle; trying to reclaim my art (the crap I produce now isn't up to my old standards), limited by the injuries that have largely left me home-bound and limited in being able to move properly, the seizures (been through countless medications, some with really bad side effects), and folks asking me "I thought brain damage made you talk slow/ not be able to think/ retarded/ stupid/ insert insipid comment here". Bouts of sadness, anger and sometimes sheer rage... grief over what I've lost. I've tried journaling, but the damage to my arms (muscles nearly torn out of sockets) makes typing tedious and handwriting pretty much impossible.

I still try though.

you are welcome here -- it is good to have you here --- I know what this is like to a degree --- when someone put meth in my drink I ended up with a meth amphetamine trip and I have never been able to relax like I was -- enough to settle down and do detail work with my writing and artistry --- it was very upsetting it happened about 8 years ago I still look at my stuff from before this knowing I will never get this skill back or reach this level again of skilled details I had-- I had done methamp back in 1989 when I went to rehab and stopped using meth -- so many years later was like a bunch of flashbacks to those time and basically exploded my mind I spent days in the hospital and didn't know why till they told me there was meth in my system- I don't know who or why but yeah --- --

keep sharing here it is all good -- @pengbuzz

 

[Commander Troi]

Welcome, @pengbuzz. Yes, you certainly "qualify" for this area and I hope you find some comfort and community with us.

I used to work in rehabilitation services here in AZ. Have you checked into what may be available in your area? I know there are excellent speech-to-text programs available for those who cannot type easily. Our program also helped people with TBIs get counseling.

 

[publiusr]

This may be of use:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-brain-approach-severe-depression.html
John was awake and alert on the operating table, conscious during brain surgery. But he wasn't in distress; in fact, he says, "It was suddenly like I was back online."

For addicts
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-wearable-device-reverse-opioid-overdose.html

 

[Commander Troi]

This may be of use:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-brain-approach-severe-depression.html
John was awake and alert on the operating table, conscious during brain surgery. But he wasn't in distress; in fact, he says, "It was suddenly like I was back online."

For addicts
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-wearable-device-reverse-opioid-overdose.html

Fascinating. I'm glad to see more research is being done. My psychiatrist's office is offering ketamine infusion therapy: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog...pression-new-tool-new-questions-2019052216673

 

[Commander Troi]

I'm a bit worried that posting this will jinx it, but it seems that everything I've been doing over the past few months (therapy, additional medications, journaling, and exercise) is working. I feel better than I have in... I really don't know how long. I feel *good*.

I realize now that the catalysts that forced me to get help back in June were not the beginning, but the culmination of years of gradually worsening problems.

Thank you all for your friendship and support. It's helped/ing more than I can say.

 

[think]

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Stanford's Sapolsky On Depression in U.S. (Full Lecture)

Sapolsky is a great lecturer --- he is the one people climb the mountain to see and ask him the question what is the meaning of life. There are lots of bio-psychiatric type lectures by him I have watched about 7-8 different class lectures by him.. this depression lecture leads to depression being biological like any biological disease such as diabetes.

I have not had time as of recent to view the posts here --- I hope to catch up soon-- and maybe comment some

Love everyone in the most appropriate ways -- peace

 

[Peach Wookiee]

I think I'm suffering from a sort of work-related burnout. I realized it last night after going for a drive and then doing a little reading. I've been fighting depression again and dealing with anger as well. I love what I do, but there are things going on at work that have brought me down. Add to that what we've been dealing with for almost two years, and I think it's worn me down.
The good news is that I have a longer vacation coming in February, so I can reset.

 

[Gary Mitchell]

I think I'm suffering from a sort of work-related burnout. I realized it last night after going for a drive and then doing a little reading. I've been fighting depression again and dealing with anger as well. I love what I do, but there are things going on at work that have brought me down. Add to that what we've been dealing with for almost two years, and I think it's worn me down.
The good news is that I have a longer vacation coming in February, so I can reset.

I hope your vacation helps.