Lived Experience Forum

[creative_writer]

@Snowie maybe trauma is just so scary to sit with. It also feels more taboo for me to talk about.

I don’t think you’re broken hon. I know it’s hard not to feel that way. I once had a therapist say to me that it was true damage has been done, but I was not damaged. I think sometimes it helps to separate ourselves from our experiences, but it can be hard to do it when we are feeling really low

[Snowie]

Trauma can be scary to sit with @creative_writer I find this especially true when your mind and body are both experiencing flashbacks. That feeling of it happening again can be very distressing.

I am finding it really hard on here at the moment to express how I am really going. Not sure what is happening.

[creative_writer]

@Snowie sometimes it feels like there are no words to describe the depth of pain we experience, and that’s okay. Do you think focusing on your breathing, grounding or doing another relaxation exercise would help reduce the intensity of what you are feeling? When one is heightened it’s very hard to think and know what to say or do, trying to slow down helps me

[Snowie]

Been using an app on my phone to help me ground and do some breathing exercises @creative_writer It has been helping.

How is your afternoon going?

[creative_writer]

@Snowie glad to hear it’s helping. I know it doesn’t take the pain away, but sometimes all you can do is to self soothe to decrease the intensity of emotions.

It’s been a crazy day, but I’m doing better now. Still struggling with sustaining attention, I’ve had issues with concentration for a long time

[Snowie]

Its been enough to simmer things down a little @creative_writer Sometimes a little is a big win.

I'm glad you are doing a little better this afternoon. I think concentration can be really hard at times. It must be difficult especially when you are trying to get things done for uni.

[creative_writer]

@Snowie an improvement is a win for sure.

I don’t really know how to concentrate, I have a scattered mind. How do people sit still for hours and study?

[Snowie]

I really don't know how people study for hours @creative_writer 

My D will sit there and study for hours but she takes 'mini' breaks, and quite a few of them. She finds it makes it easier to study for longer and gives her brain a rest too. I think it also helps in absorbing the material you are studying.

Will say goodnight hon, so tired. Hoping I can get a good nights sleep. Have got a lot on tomorrow, including the gp, another appt. and my mums appt. with the specialist about her dementia. Hoping we get some answers tomorrow.

Good night hon. I hope tonight goes ok for you. Speak tomorrow 💕💕

[creative_writer]

Goodnight @Snowie, I hope you rest well tonight and the appointments all prove to be helpful 💖🫂

[NatureLover]

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@Snowie wrote:

I am finding it really hard on here at the moment to express how I am really going. Not sure what is happening.

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Is this due to the propsed new guidelines, @Snowie ? I am concerned about the repetition / rumination thing too. 

I really hope your sleep improves and you can talk to your pdoc about the sleep meds next week.

I didn't actually know you found it hard to leave the house. But I gather it's not agoraphobia but more the socialisation aspect for you? 

I have another catch-up with friends today that I'd rather stay home for. 

Good luck with your GP and the 2 other appts, especially the one with your mother today...