Newbie - Coping with chronic pain ,depression and grief

[Lumlo]

Hi I am new to the forum. I suffer with chronic pain ,depression and grief and currently have worring problems with my adult children.

One has had major surgery and the other has been on drugs and has ongoing legal issues and mental health problems.

With xmas close I am not coping well and need some support. I am hoping talking on the forum will help me.

[Purple_People_Eater]

Hi Lumlo,

I hope your last few days were better.

I had a bad day on Friday. Too many things were going wrong (son falling behind in class at uni because he has been helping care for his dad, car I just sold to a friend has something wrong with it, and I got mad because I couldn't find the list of things for a roadworthy checklist), I was yelling and crying, I just couldn't cope.

I felt a bit tired over the weekend, so I rested and visited a friend instead of doing laundry, dishes and shopping... they can wait. I feel a bit better today.

[IreneM]

Hi Lumlo

It's good to know that your psychologist is helping you and that you're now starting to look after yourself. As Rabbit said medication can take time to kick in.

I notice that you have also asked questions about sleep. You can check out the information about sleep here under Get Support above and below, or you can just type this into your browser.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/sleeping-well

My suggestion is not to nap for any more than an hour or so at a time, and to keep your bedroom in good order as suggested.

The other good thing (I know it's difficult, but it pays), try getting up each morning at the same time, and sitting outside first thing with a warm drink to wake yourself up. The Fresh Air and Sunshine can make you feel happier.

To assist with getting off to sleep have you tried a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow? Works for some people with it's relaxing properties along with camomile tea, others find that warm milk (full cream or alternative) can also help in the last hour before you go to bed.

Feel free to experiment.

Irene.

[Lumlo]

Hi PPE

Glad you are feeling a bit better . Its so good to have friends to chat to . It helps cheers me up too. I am doing better at the moment. I am making a big effort to be kind to myself and work on my boundaries to prevent more stress. It does seem to be helping.

Im also now keen on rescue remedy , and sleepytime herbal tea before bed.

Take care Lumlo

[Lumlo]

Hi IreneM,

Yes I too use lavendar oil, in a diffuser and also on my skin, I agree its so relaxing.

Good idea about reducing naps in the daytime. I think I will try only half hour to read and rest now. I have some relaxation cds which I listen too at night now as well as no cups of tea after dinner . A small sleepytime herbal tea to take to bed as well . There has been an improvement in my sleep lately but its an ongoing issue. Thanks for the good ideas.

Lumlo

[Lumlo]

Hi, I am having a really rough time lately, cant sleep much again and had another panic attack yesterday, really scarey as well as somehow loosing $50. Thats just never happened to me before, I am careful about cash.

I was feeling overwhelmed by the needs of others. I felt like just yelling leave me alone I am struggling to cope with my own life. Other people (family members), keep asking me to do this or help with that, usually its ok. Lately my anxietys been very bad and it just all became too much again. Its hard to control pain while feeling so low, then its difficult to do anything.

Over the weekend I am spending time for myself, catch up with some housework, go for a walk, maybe some baking . Going to try to relax, will see my Gp again Monday.

Hoping for some better times soon.

Lumlo

[IreneM]

Hi Lumlo

Glad that you're doing a bit better and taking a break over the weekend; and yes, we all have these setback times. Understand that $50 can be a lot when you're in financial difficulty. Have you tried any of the organisations that Rabbit suggested, I have heard that in some areas Vinnies also have a housing service.

Will be keen to know how you go on tomorrow (Mon).

Irene.

[Lumlo]

Hi IreneM,

I have been having problems login in, but finally seem to have managed to get back into my account.

There is a lot of stressful things happening and my anxiety has been difficult to manage lately.

Two friends have been supportive and also my sister although by long distance.

Today exhausted after a hard week so resting. Did a bit of gardening in the afternoon and spent some time with a friend, which was nice.

Tomorows another challege

Lumlo