Just Need To Talk

Please don't apologise @Gerald I am very sorry to hear what you're currently going through, you know we are always here for you.

I can imagine this all must be extremely overwhelming for you so let's take it one step at a time.

Out of the 3 you have mentioned, which are you most struggling to cope with?

I know how you feel, last year I was the lowest I had ever been with my depression, I was bed bound, wheelchairbound, I could not do anything for myself. I wanted to give up.

Returning to the community gave me a purpose again, helping others has always been something i have loved. 

I can't do all of the things I used to be able to do anymore but there are things that I can do and things for me to try.

It is extremely hard to accept what has happened to us, I am very lucky to have a supportive fiance, family and friends who have helped me get through this.

I don't know if you have family or friends around you, but you have us...the community and we will be with you every step of the way.

Anytime, hope you have a good nights sleep and let us know how you get on

Thank you and you're very welcome

I really hope your meeting goes well

Gerald said:

Hi all just a big thank you to you all Ami2301 Roddy Kate_Scope Bevvy7andover  this is just a bit of a update from today the Mental Health Team one as come round to see me and had a long talk and she as help me a lot and i go to my appointment with my councillor and she will get in contact with my councillor today to talk about how i have been and to Kate_Scope I will have a look at the Mind web site to see if there is a local Mind office as i find it hard to go out with my Depression and Anxiety and Disabilities i know that may sound like i am making and avoid in going out but its just how i feel at this time and all i can put is thank you to you all and the rest of the community for your kind word sorry i can not put i down in words better than this you all help so much so to all just a big thank you.

You've already made a giant leap today with your meeting, Gerald. I can tell that your mood is a lot better from yesterday as you have made positive steps which can only go upwards! Nobody can fully understand how you feel from day to day, but with help from people like those you met today, and also on here, you can see that there's always some light at the end of the tunnel. Stay focussed on this light whenever you're feeling blue, and please keep in touch. Well Done You...

Hello @Gerald How are you?  Please can I thank you for first sharing with the community.

As a member of this community with mental health and also disabilities . I do know every day is different.

Please can I also add with the meetings you have had with the mental health team.  I hope can be useful.

What is important is you. One of the most important aspects of mental health is to take small steps.  Finding ways to adapt and cope.

Most mental health teams do advise ways to cope by using coping methods and strategies to be implemented.

I know this is never easy to deal with and I have had systems in place and it has failed so need a back up.

A lot of this is learning and by accessing that help and support can beneficial to wellbeing.

No one is perfect and even myself have the need to talk and say how I am.

When we talk about coping methods and strategies it can be simple things. Like having relaxation techniques, meditation and other simple therapies like music. Calming and serene.

Other ones are having a coping box.  This is a box or does not have to be a box. Where the things that you need to be comforted in moments of stress and anxiety.

In my case favourite passages from the bible, some CDs with mindful., relaxing stress free music.  Favourite foods and anything that relieves stress. Have an anxiety,stress larder.

Certain foods and things that help me cope. No alcohol or caffeine effects anxiety.

I have Classic FM on.

Strategies are the diary put in there to take meds, also appointments with anxiety you forget things. Add in shopping, small notes to yourself.

Reminders.  Other things are sleep every one with anxiety or a mental health has sleep issues I do. All the time so plan for sleep.

Wind down before a set time usually around ten . In my case. All electrics off and sit meditation closed eyes and it does help to eat sensible.

Good days if I can plan something usually a clean or a tidy up.  Then reward yourself all helps, Something simple. Make your favourite sandwich do the task then eat the sandwich.

Put uplifting music on when and if doing tasks.  TV off when eating a meal have radio on or music to calm myself.

I am happy to see some one suggested MIND very good website and organisation.

I used this one as well if that helps you.  

https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk.

I know you have a mental health team this excellent to hear.

Please can I also add I have been there with the benefit assessments anxiety got to me and effected my self like yours.

My support told me if we keep thinking the worse it will go around in your head like a record.

Causing anxiety even worse to my stomach and cause other symptoms.

This I did not know but she was good explaining, learnt something new.

Please if I can be of any help please keep in touch.

We are here to help and advise be a friend anytime.

Pleasure to meet you.

Take care.

@thespiceman

Gerald said:

Thank you thespiceman  for that it helps a lot my thing is that you go for a PIP Assessment that lasts for 30mins and then send a report in that you have know problems even with all the reports form my doctor consltant mental health team and councillor who provides expert advice in there reports and have to go to a Tribunal with know date after 12m and then to get one for A ESA  Assessment is it all going to happen once more and gets me thinking it all going to start once more which then starts me going down hill with my Depression and Anxiety and Disabilities playing up on top of that I feel like its one step forward and two steps back at times Thank you so much for the kind words.

Hi again @Gerald,

Many of us can relate to your own experiences with DWP assessments, and the going round & round in circles and feeling like it's getting us nowhere. It's not surprising that this is stressing you out on top of everything else. I've been through the same and have felt like banging my head against a brick wall! (smile)

Your meeting today, will have at least given you some good food for thought. You are no longer expected to go through it all again on your own without some much needed support... Try not to think about 'what may happen' as it often never does happen and your mind will play tricks. Stay focused on 'the now' 'the present' and forget about things which are not affecting you today. I KNOW that you have it in you overcome this. After all, you reached out to Scope and you found answers and solace.. You reached out to those you met with today, and they left you with hope for better things to come, which they will, I assure you. 

You've even taught me something along the way (which takes some doing!) and so not everything you think you are doing is negative. 

Stay strong, my new Scope Buddy! 

Rodders.