How do others cope? I feel like I'm on verge of complete breakdown

Panda70
Panda70 Online Community Member Posts: 22 Contributor
edited May 2016 in Start here and say hello!
Hi all, I'm in Newcastle upon Tyne and have Crohns, ehlers danlos syndrome, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism. I'm 46 and returned early from work in Feb. I feel totally isolated and need to find a support group in my area, I lost alot of "friends"  due to having to cancel plans, my family don't help, my dla was stopped when I applied for pip so money is none existent, I have an appeal going ahead with citizens advice bureau helping my case, but generally I'm struggling to come to terms with my new life of illness, I'm mourning my previous busy, career driven, socialising life, how do others cope, I feel like I'm on verge of complete breakdown, SOS anyone,

Comments

  • JenniferU
    JenniferU Online Community Member Posts: 106 Empowering
    edited May 2016
    Hi @Panda70, welcome to the community.

    Really sorry to hear you're having such a hard time. I'm sure you can find lots of like-minded people on here who can give you some support. Have a look around the discussions and start some of your own too. https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/disabled-people

    I'm originally from Newcastle but I'm afraid I'm not sure of local services, although I'm sure that @DebbieVoakes can help and also advise on benefits as she's a superstar in that area. :)

    Best wishes
    Jen
  • htlcy
    htlcy Online Community Member Posts: 127 Empowering

    Hi Panda70. I'm really sorry to hear you're feeling this way. There's a wealth of support groups online as well as this forum, which may be of use to you. I have made life-long friends online, and they can be a really good way to connect. Perhaps try facebook or twitter? In my area there are courses to help with adapting to disability and chronic illness, which includes the emotional side of things. It might be worth checking out if something like that exists, so maybe try asking your GP. Remember that your mental health is incredibly important, and don't hesitate to get in contact with your GP if you feel something may help. I have several mental illnesses and physical problems, and counselling helped me work through some of the frustrations I have. Really hoping that you get somewhere and that you start to feel better soon. Please take care of yourself and don't hesitate to post on here and ask anything that may be useful.

    Heather

  • Fredegonde
    Fredegonde Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
    May God bless and help you.
  • Debbie_Alumni
    Debbie_Alumni Online Community Member Posts: 932 Empowering
    edited May 2016
    Hi Panda70,

    Sorry for the late reply! Gosh you're really going through it at the moment aren't you! I saw your other posts about your benefits and I will respond to them as soon as I can.
    I agree with Heather above about the emotional side of things. Often we put so much into keeping our physical self well that we neglect our mental health. Our mental health is just as important and is just as prone to illness as the rest of the body, particularly in times of great pressure and stress. It sounds as though you would benefit from talking to someone about all of this so I agree with Heather that you should have a chat with your GP and see if you can get some local counselling. 

    You may have lost friends but this just means that now you have room to make new ones :)

    There's an organisation called Disability North in Newcastle and you can find out more about them on their website, they could be another useful contact for you http://www.disabilitynorth.org.uk/index.html

    If you would like to talk on the phone or want to email me, please feel free to get in touch with me at the helpline.

    Best wishes
    Debbie

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