Mental Illness Awareness and Support Thread

[bluecat*dancing]

Let;s see how we go.

[ten*teeny*tiny*toes]

She is house sitting for her auntie, so its not a stressful situation for her and home is only 5 minutes away.
She is looking after my sister's two dogs and cat, plus taken her own little dog around there. She has always loved dogs, and as you say it gives her that much needed bit of independence and alone time.
She is committed to the taekwondo, she did it all through high school and got her black belt. She has always been disciplined and a high achiever (perfectionist?) so much of what you have said above resonates with me.

She is the first to admit a happy childhood and can't seem to pinpoint a trigger or any trauma in her life. The wheels fell off in her second semester at uni and she went through a goth stage for a few years. Always kind, compassionate and understanding but yes probably a bit naive and innocent. She was never a moments trouble and we sailed through the teen years. Now, in hindsight I wish she'd gotten angry or grown horns and turned into princess **bleep**-face. Parents - rejoice the tantrums, it means they are feeling and expressing something!!

I wonder about genetics. Her paternal grandfather committed suicide 😞 and I'm led to believe his mother went a bit 'mad' in later years but I think it was a vitamin deficiency....B12 or B6, something like that.

I think everyone has been or will be touched by mental illness in some way in their lives.

[youcandoityoucandoityoucandoit]

bump for all 

warm hug and gentle pats to those who can use them 

hope today is a good day for you

[bluecat*dancing]

Finding it hard to get motivated today. I woke up feeling so tired, went back to bed, was joined by two cats,lol, couldn't sleep so got up again. I might be having houseguests in a couple of weeks time so I need to get a couple of rooms ready just in case. This involves getting hold of beds and making space for those beds. Feeling a bit overwhelmed.

[youcandoityoucandoityoucandoit]

(((bluecat*) nothings easy when you are tired...

can you make anice hot tea or coffee and take it back to bed, with a pad and pen and make a list of what you need to do? Ive found sometimes this can help me, it kind of makes me feel Im doing something..making a plan..

take it easy 🙂

[bluecat*dancing]

Thank you, youcan, I like that idea. I was thinking about heading out to the op shops etc but fortunately, my eldest daughter will be visiting instead. A good night's sleep tonight and I'll get stuck into it tomorrow.

[ten*teeny*tiny*toes]

The list is a great idea. I hate housework and often get overwhelmed! Then I have no idea where to start because its just too big a job. I make myself break things down into small, and it doesn't matter how small, manageable chunks.
I also find I spend a lot of time worrying over things that never happen. When will you know if the guests will be coming? I don't do last minute very well but I sometimes envy those who do and save themselves all that stress and agonising.

[ten*teeny*tiny*toes]

There was an article today in the Courier Mail about Peaches Geldof and the likelihood of a heart attack bue to eating disorders/bulimia.
Bulimia can be lethal. I know it, my daughter has heart problems as a result. It is the potassium mainly and she has a very low heart rate. A little known thing is the darkening and callouses on her knuckles from her.teeth by the long term induced vomiting. She also has a hardened patch of skin on her stomach , below the ribcage which she pushes with force.. She breaks food up and hand feeds. I don't know where I am going with this really. I just hope people can seek help or have family and friends who can recognise the signs. My DD was diagnosed with EDNOS eating disorders not otherwise specified , she's never ever fit neatly into any neat diagnostic box.

[ten*teeny*tiny*toes]

Scuse spelling and what nots. Can't even edit on the ipad 😄

[lloydslights]

Hi all,

My DD was making lists before Xmas.  She just kept finding things to add to the list.  It was a beautiful list, the neatest of writing a few flower doodles - worthy of framing!  

The list itself became overwhelming for her.  It was too much for her to think about and she would go and do some scrapbooking to put the work out of her mind!

Some of the to-dos took less time to actually "do" than writing it down.  We got together and did the easy things first and halved that list.  She just needed to work in a "team".  

Whilst she was at work, I did those other household chores listed and halved the list again. On her arrival home, she hadn't even noticed them done!  (Why did I sweat it out for her?)  The list had been more important than the job!

DEB

[lloydslights]

To TTT, 

When I saw a photo of Peaches recently, I immediately thought of your daughter.

I'm so much more appreciative of your concerns for her wellbeing.  Your description of some of the physical symptoms is an awakening for me.  

The torture we parents feel as we watch our young experience pain can be excruciating.  

Hugs, pats and strokes to everyone

DEB