Escape into the Tea & Sympathy Support room.

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Thank you kind @freda19 . I do indeed know not to bother her now, we are reduced to chit chatting about the foxes, the hedgehogs, seaweed fertiliser etc .. and eaten bread is soon forgotten, she had a volatile relationship with mom (r.i.p) and manys the time I stood up for her and defended her oh well. I guess that is why people pay counsellors , they have to listen I have told hubby if I croak it just cremate me and tell her when it's done and dusted, to avoid "upsetting" her etc he probably won't do that
 
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thank you. That kindness was so very much what I needed today. I’ve stuck a note on my mirror with my goal for today, and put on a nice blouse for work. Thank you.
Well done! Remember, your meds are working on your brain but you need to do your bit physically as well, with just a wee nudge here and a bit of a push there. There will be days and even weeks when you just can't, but remember the little buzz you got putting the note on the mirror and get back on the horse. It's a hard row to hoe and will take time.
 
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I folded the laundry today! I did it! Even put another load in for tomorrow to catch up. Also made a real (microwaved but actual food- rice, peas, cubed tofu) dinner. I’m writing out a new sticky note for my mirror for tomorrow. Thank you for the long distance support, all.
 
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Well, Ive chucked all my nail strengthening products in the trash.
All have made my nails split and break worse than before I tried any.

When they grow back, I will have to put up with the few that seem bendy.
Most are usually ok, just a few grow a bit thinner than the others and bend if I let them grow too long.

Now even the usually good nails have broken.
 
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Oh no Chita, did the Sally Hansen rehab not work ? Sorry I recommended a duff product for you...nail treatments are devilishly tricky aren't they ,?
 
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What about just plain old clear nail polish.
 
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Hi everyone. I managed to get over the stuff that triggered me but it took longer than I thought. I was expecting it to last a day but it went on for a week. I did get out of it though, so that's good.
I want to make a couple of points which are not aimed at anyone in particular. The first is that your family and friends are not your therapists. It took me years to learn this lesson. You cannot expect people who haven't trained as counsellors or therapists to play that role in your life. It isn't fair. And I know people just want to let off steam but you need to find a different forum to do that. Somewhere like here, or a mental health forum. The joy of the internet is that there are lots of places to go and you can stay anonymous.
Equally, you are not a counsellor or therapist for your friends and family. Don't allow people to use you in this way. Suggest that they may need more help than you can give them. You have your own problems, you don't need to take on theirs. It's not just okay to put yourself first, it's also highly recommended.
I've got more to say but I'd be here all day so I'm going to finish with this poem. This is the poem I turn to whenever I get down. It speaks to me and maybe it will speak to you too. It's very long so I'm putting it behind a spoiler. It's called 'Desiderata' by Max Ehrmann. It's an excellent guide to managing life.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
 
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What about just plain old clear nail polish.

I tried several and they all just peeled off, hence my appeal for suggestions for other things .

Oh no Chita, did the Sally Hansen rehab not work ? Sorry I recommended a duff product for you...nail treatments are devilishly tricky aren't they ,?
No probs. I'll still talk to you. xxx

 
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Something funny that made me laugh today.. my dog has a haircut/grooming appointment this weekend, and I pushed mine back to next month to balance the budget (hers is more important). There’s only a small price difference between the two

To be honest, I think I’m a far easier client despite the amount of foils they’ll have to put in after not having it done in... 18 months? It’ll be nice to look a bit like myself again.
 
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Hey everyone, my mental health has taken a bit of a battering in recent weeks - but I've suffered worse, and I'm still standing
Sometimes it's good to talk x

View attachment 680079View attachment 680080View attachment 680083
There you go guys, top to bottom
Pooh-Bear
Susan
Thor

They are very cuddly and honestly great company. I'd be lost without them, especially Pooh.
Oh my goodness, those cats are beautiful - always liked Maine Coons, we just have a mini one

Hey, how are you - what are your interests? I have to say mine first, to open a conversation. I'm a 57--year old of four and forget about that, how are you?

You're not heartless to think of yourself, being around people with complex needs is time-consuming and impacts upon you also.
Sometimes you need to take time out for yourself

Bit of slap and spanx - you'll be fine. Meet you in Matthew Street!
 

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You're not a failure honey, you are very important in so many people's lives. That's what depression does to you, makes you feel worthless - give me a smile, and know that you're beautiful

There is a way out from the dark side - suffered terrible depression after my youngest was born, anti-depressants, the whole lot. I'm not going back there - it's not a nice place to be, that black hole; be strong and resist it

Just know that you are loved and that you are important x
 
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Tatty, you are an inspiration. You have so much to deal with but you keep on fighting.
You are wonderful.
 
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I hope no one was offended by my post yesterday. I was just trying to share the stuff I've learnt over almost 50 years of mental illness. So today's suggestion is a more positive one. The comfort box!
When you are able make yourself a comfort box. This is to hide away and only come out when you know you're sliding into a depression.
You place things that bring you comfort into the box.
  1. A favourite book that you love to re read. I have Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and a few other books. I also have my favourites as 'talking books' in case I can't even bring myself to read. You don't have to actually put books/digital stuff in an actual box. They can go into a folder on your laptop/kindle etc.
  2. Music. Again can be kept on the laptop/whatever. Choose stuff that you love to sing along too. It's amazing what good having a sing song will do. Or just drift away with your favouite stuff. Try to compile as many hours as you can and lots of different types of music to suit your mood.
  3. Films. Mine include 'Arsenic and Old Lace' 'Spinal Tap' 'North by Northwest' and several others I can't be bothered to type out.
  4. Memory stuff. I have a small ornament my mother left to me. Stuff the kids made for me at school, things like that.
  5. Things you like - I love fabrics and I have a variety in my comfort box. I have velvet, silk, chenille and all sorts of lace, ribbon, buttons etc. They're a variety of colours and textures. I love making fabric art, so this stuff is inspirational for me.
  6. Scented stuff. Soaps, incense, whatever.
Basically anything that might lift your mood goes in this box or the file on your laptop. The idea is that you give yourself the time and spend a day going through your comfort box/tin/whatever. It helps, or at least its always help me. Hopefully might help you to.
 
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That sounds good Cass.

When I have what I call an Eeyore day I try to sleep until he's gone.
I allow myself to feel like Eeyore for no longer than 2 days. After that I kick my own arse and make myself do something.

Basically we all have to do what works for us.
 
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Eeyore is a great way to describe bipolar disorder to children. "Some days I'm like Tigger, Some days I'm like Eeyore"
Giving yourself a day off to sleep or whatever, is definitely the first step.
 
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Phew that's a relief .
Ive been reading, these nail hardeners can damage the nail so its better to use products to nourish the cuticles and nail bed, ie, oils and balms.
So ive got some Burt's bees cuticle balm and some nail oil.
Ive filed down the 6 nails that didnt break from the Naill hardener varnishes. They are really short now.
The 4 broken ones look a right mess but hopefully they will grow quick.

Wish I'd never tried the hardeners and just put up with the 4 bendy ones.
 
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I've got to admit that I don't pay much attention to my nails. As soon as they show any length, I cut them down short again. Long fingernails irritate the hell out of me. But I have noticed that when I type all day (writer) they grow much faster and much stronger. I touch type and I'm quite fast but don't know if that makes a difference.
 
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Ooh thanks for that Chita, I've got some cuticle oil so will look into the Burt's bees balm .
 
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Our beloved cat passed away on the weekend and his little brother is really missing him. It's so heartbreaking - he's crying a lot, really clingy, and very unsettled. I don't know how to make it better and can't stop crying as I miss him too
 
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