on โ25-02-2014 12:56 AM
Let;s see how we go.
on โ15-03-2014 08:56 PM
I am not mentally ill but I am going through an unhappy time right now.
Reading your stories has helped me find the strength to face another day.
on โ18-03-2014 11:45 AM
...........and I think that is the main reason all who post (and read) here do so.
Not to whinge and whine, or to get sympathy, but to share and hope they can assist others and feel better themselves in doing just that, and I think mainly for contact. Sufferers can't always just 'get over it' and 'join a club' - so it's nice to know you can speak here and be sort of anonymous, and not be judged.
Don't close the thread bluecat - the genuine sufferers and supporters are with you 100% and I know i don't say much here, but I do visit as often as I can.
To all :
on โ18-03-2014 11:52 AM
on โ18-03-2014 11:55 AM
on โ18-03-2014 12:35 PM
(((Freddie)))
on โ18-03-2014 01:13 PM
on โ18-03-2014 04:14 PM
Awesome - and so in the spirit of this thread.
Tearing up here...............but in a good way - thanks lind9650
on โ18-03-2014 08:02 PM
I really do like the thoughts of comfort so many of you send to those who have mental illness within their lives; whether it's as carers or sufferers.
I'm sure many people like the contact of friends' hugs. Even 'hugging thoughts' would be most welcome. I've sent ((((hugs)))) to others because I've thought that's what they need at the time.
Physical hugs to me though, are suffocating and controlling. Weird ?
I do like a short rub on the upper arm, though or a stroke on the forearm. Just short and sweet. That can mean so much to me.
I know others just like to have their hand held. It is contact without being "bound".
Just a small insight to those who are carers.
DEB
on โ18-03-2014 08:21 PM
I know my daughter feels a bit that that way too Deb.
Hugs can make her feel uncomfortable and awkward.
I do often go for the forearm. Instinct probably.
We went to the movies on Saturday. Her idea, so I jumped at it. I love spending time with her. Always have.
on โ18-03-2014 08:30 PM
Hello and positive thoughts to everyone on this thread and all readers looking in .
Some carers may find this a worthwhile read. I know that I can relate to much of it myself .It also has links to support services.We all need to acknowledge that we are human sometimes and take care of us.
Positive thoughts and best wishes to everyone
Who cares for the carers?
By Jo Buchanan
Nobody ever dreams it could happen to them but one in five Australians will experience mental illness at some stage of their lives. While the majority will recover well and lead full, independent lives, a significant number will need care and support for varying amounts of times. This means hundreds of thousands of family members, unprepared, uninformed and untrained, will become the primary carers of loved ones.
A carer is someone who provides care and support for a parent, partner, child or friend who has a disability, is frail aged, or who has a chronic mental or physical illness. In a recent survey of the 2.3 million carers in Australia, 58% reported that their physical health had been adversely affected, a third said that they had sustained a physical injury as a result of being a carer and over half reported depression, anxiety, high levels of stress and other detrimental effects on their own mental health.
Carers become so used to supporting the vulnerability of others, they find it hard to allow others to see and support the vulnerabilities in themselves. They often experience feelings of loss associated with their caring role, grieving for โwhat could have beenโ or โwhat once wasโ. Mental illness is not like cancer, diabetes, or M.S. With mental illness, people donโt know what to say, or how to respond. They are usually embarrassed or fearful.
Unlike patients hospitalised with a physical ailment, those suffering mental illness never receive visitors. They never receive phone calls, cards or flowers. There are no Red Nose or Daffodil Days for those living with mental illness. Carers constantly feel out of their depth, as if they have lost control of their lives, fighting never-ending battles with officialdom and losing hope easily.
http://livingnow.com.au/articles/issues/who-cares-for-the-carers
The burnout rate in carers is generally high. Burnout goes hand in hand with the job of caring because unlike other means of employment, there are no holidays, no weekends and the payโs lousy. Burnout is a build-up of sleep deprivation and physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. It spawns feelings of defeat and failure. It involves a loss of self-esteem, self-confidence, self worth and self-image. It creates a gradual loss of identity.
Caregiver Stress & Burnout Tips for Recharging and Finding Balance
The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel you have little control over the situation or youโre in over your head. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mindโeventually leading to burnout. When youโre burned out, itโs tough to do anything, let alone look after someone else. Thatโs why making time to rest, relax, and recharge isnโt a luxuryโitโs a necessity. Read on for tips on how to regain balance in your life.