Coping with stress, low mood and isolation – a support thread

12357

Comments

  • diane01
    diane01 Online Community Member Posts: 45 Connected
    I'm glad to hear that things are slightly improving for u & ur looking forward thats a really positive start hope these small effective steps  continue for u..wishing u all best & good luck with flowering..wish i could be more help today but been on a downer with my health xx
  • diane01
    diane01 Online Community Member Posts: 45 Connected
    @Cher_Scope
    Hi do you kno any fnd helplines that i can phone ?
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    edited March 2021
    @diane01 - I'll certainly be able to find one for you I'm sure!  I listed some mental health ones in a previous comment above, but is it a different topic you want to speak to someone about?  Scope have a telephone helpline that you can contact on:
    Phone: 0808 800 3333.
    Textphone: dial 18001 then 0808 800 3333.
    Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles.
    Email: helpline@scope.org.uk. 
    Opening times - Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm. And most bank holidays.
    If it's in relation to something else just let me know :) 

    @thatsmyname I'm glad things are more positive for you.  Crafting and nature walks sound right up my street and very relaxing.  How did you get on planting your flowers?
  • thatsmyname
    thatsmyname Online Community Member Posts: 52 Connected
    Cher_Scope we planted some bulbs...lilies and tulips but then it got a bit chilly so went in and made mothers day cards☺
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    @thatsmyname Aww that sounds like a lovely time.  We just need Spring to officially begin and that sun to come out and make them bloom!  I'm glad you had fun :) 
  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    thatsmyname said:
    Cher_Scope we planted some bulbs...lilies and tulips but then it got a bit chilly so went in and made mothers day cards☺
    Hi @thatsmyname

    Just wanted to check in to ask how have you been lately?
  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Hi @diane01

    I just wanted to check in to ask how you are at the minute? 
  • diane01
    diane01 Online Community Member Posts: 45 Connected
    @Ross_Scope
    Hi been horrible but finally got a neurologist appointment sometime in may it will be just feels miles away for me while feeling so ill in mean time dont think the dr realises how ill i am 
    & doesnt help that had to chases up appointments that keep getting cancelled due to covid then u.c on my back to just feeling like i dont need all this worry while I'm trying to cope with these health issues
  • diane01
    diane01 Online Community Member Posts: 45 Connected
    @Cher_Scope
    Did you find any number that support of fnd ?

  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,451 Championing
    Can I just confirm that you mean functional neurological disorder @diane01? 

    If so, here are a few ideas:
    It looks as though FND Action are currently working on a page where you'll be able to search for local organisations and resources close to you that could help, so I think that'd be worth bookmarking. 

    I hope some of these might be useful? We'll keep an eye out for any others :)
  • tjlcont
    tjlcont Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
    edited March 2021
    Cher_Scope said:

    What is this thread about?

    We realise these are particularly difficult times for all who visit Scope’s online community.  The impact of covid-19 has been far reaching, not least emotionally, as we all cope and ‘muddle through’ each day the best we can.   

    As a means of support, the Community Team have compiled a list of resources on this thread to help with any feelings of isolation, stress, and low mood you might be experiencing.  These are not intended to substitute professional help and we recommend contacting your GP if troubling feelings persist.  Equally, should you ever believe your welfare is in danger, make sure to call 999 and ask for the relevant emergency services.

    This list is not exhaustive and will be added to regularly so please do keep checking back.  Also, if our lovely members have any other helpful links or ideas, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.  

    As ever, if you want to talk about your individual situation - we are here to listen.  Don't be afraid to make a post and ask for help.

    General coronavirus support

    Mental health

    Apps

    Exercise

    Socialising/loneliness

    Education/learning, work, and volunteering

    Money

    Parenting

    Specific impairments

    Emergency help


    Stay safe everyone and remember we are here to support you though this  <3
    I like to knit so ive turned iit nto a business. Maybe if you can find something that you are passionate about that could take the place of the motoring for the interim, might help. This is something that is beyond our control but everything is subject to change. 
    <moderator removed advertising link>
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    @tjlcont Thanks for your comment, it is great when you can turn a hobby into a job :) 

    Just to advise - I've removed an advertising link from the bottom of your posts as adverts aren't allowed, as per our community guidelines.  
  • foxuk
    foxuk Online Community Member Posts: 103 Empowering
    Can I point out a big downside of turning a hobby into a job - We've run a couple of businesses and two of them progressed from Hobbies. The problem comes when things go bad and you are left without a business and the hobby brings back bad memories.

    A good example of this is a friend of mime who did 28 years in the Army as the regimental carpenter - he even framed pictures for the Queen Mum and made display cases for their regimental museum. He has a job as a technician at a local college and is still there at over 70 (I don't think they can get anyone else who is qualified to work there) He hates doing jobs for private customers - you put your heart and soul into doing a job and all they do is try to find something wrong so they can get a discount or not pay at all. His worst person was a woman who was a neighbour of a friend - he re-hung a door for her and charged £5 as he thought she didn't have much - she was on the phone for weeks because she said he should have re-painted the door and frame - even went to trading standards to report him.

    It doesn't take a lot of bad experiences to turn a hobby job into a pain.
  • Supernanma
    Supernanma Online Community Member Posts: 42 Connected
    66Mustang said:
    Nice thread idea. I haven’t posted this before because I thought it would attract negative comments / opinions but I think this is hopefully the place where I can do it without judgement

    I am really struggling with not being able to go out for a drive and also struggling to understand why I’m not allowed to do so.

    I have obsessive thoughts which get really bad when I’m stuck in the house - I need to get out the house every day. Luckily we have a dog so I have an “excuse” to go for a walk each day but this often isn’t enough and going for a drive really helps my mental health.

    All I want to do is get in the car, go for a drive without getting out, and come home again.

    - No one will be in the car except people from my household
    - My car is on my drive so I don’t mix with anyone on the way to the car
    - I won’t get out of the car at any point so won’t mix with anyone

    I don’t see how doing this will spread Covid to lots of people but I am following the rules anyway!
    I have felt incredibly isolated over Easter. It might be better now for people to meet with others. My family have all been so busy, going out for walks. I can't do that. I'm waiting for a new hip, and that has triggered my other leg, that was damaged by back surgery. So no one invites me out. Like you I have a car, but I just don't see the point of driving around without a purpose at the end. Right now I'm having thoughts that what the hell is the point of life? I am at the point that even though I could go out... I don't.  I've had enough of Covid, bad hips, no purpose.  You are allowed to go out in your car to keep it running, but not going in and out of different counties I guess. If you have the will go for it. 
  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Hello @Supernanma

    I'm sorry to read that you've felt isolated and lonely lately, I'm sure that many others will be able to empathise with how you feel. I wonder if you could drive with your family to a scenic route nearby and enjoy it from the comfort of your car (if mobility is an issue for you right now)?  I know it's not the same, but there's the chance there to at least enjoy being somewhere different and getting some fresher air. 

    Have your family / friends arranged any video calls so that you can get involved from your home? Again, I know it's not the same as going out yourself but it's certainly a valuable option to have during these times.

    Do you know when you might get the new hip? Hopefully that can happen sooner rather than later, it seems as though that would be a huge relief for you.

    It's a shame to read that you're "having thoughts that what the hell is the point of life?" but I understand that your isolation is getting you down at the minute, again I think it's a common feeling amonst many people right now. Do you have coping techniques in place to effectively manage your mental health? 

    I'm not sure if it's something you have to battle on a regular basis, but if you feel as though your mental health is becoming difficult to manage you might want to speak with your GP to see if any support could be put in place for you. Alternatively, if you just want to chat with someone, you could always contact Samaritans on 116 123, or you could give our helpline a call and speak with one of the lovely team.

    I do hope as well that being on the community and interacting with other members will help you feel better.
  • Caz_Alumni
    Caz_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 621 Empowering
    edited April 2021
    Morning @Supernanma

    I just wanted to drop by and say hello - see how you're getting on today?

    Like @Ross_Scope has said, we're really sorry to hear that you've been feeling isolated lately. Have you managed to have a look at his post at all? I just wondered if there were any suggestions on there that you thought you might fancy having a go at? I quite like the first one on there - having a drive out somewhere nice, or even somewhere that there's just a few more people and it's a bit livelier - and enjoying things from the comfort of my own car. 

    They do say that a change is as good as a rest - and I know that a change of scenery can work wonders for me, particularly if the weather's good and the sun's shining :)

    Anyway, do keep in touch with us all. Let us know if you venture out. Or if not, please do call by anytime, just for a chat!
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    Hi @Supernanma

    How's it going?  I hope you're keeping well but please do let us know if you need any support  <3

    I hope you have a nice Tuesday, speak soon!
  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    edited June 2021
    Hello @nevr and welcome to the community, thanks for posting. 

    I hope the waling group goes well, I'm sure it will, It sounds super. 

    Regarding your mental health, I'm sorry to hear that you have tried counselling and CBT but they don't appear to have worked. Hobbies and interests are a good way to support your mental health, it's important to ensure that you are doing things you enjoy. The walking group will also be positive for your well-being too once you get used to it 

    I have sent you an email from community@scope.org.uk, it would be great if you could give it a read.
  • Danny3
    Danny3 Online Community Member Posts: 16 Contributor
     I hope some of you find his technique to be very useful for helping with all manner of problems which can get in our way of enjoying life at times. Short 4 minute video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JI8flfGSKo
  • Lisatho11987777
    Lisatho11987777 Scope Member Posts: 5,874 Championing
    I just watched less than a min of that video and I felt agitated I turned it off very quickly 

Categories