What helps to keep well?

[PamelaR]

Hello everyone

Have been around the forums now for a couple of months. Posted a couple of threads under PTSD, but think it's time I move on to 'Staying Well'. In reality that is the reason I came to Beyond Blue Forums in the first place - to stay well. Not to dwell or mooch in the past.

Many of you will have read the factual information about my past. Something that is missing from my posts though is - how I really am. That's what I want this post to be. It has to be about things I'm finding out about 'who I am and how I keep well'.

I was so down, having retired last year, losing all sight of what I wanted to do, being physically incapacitated, thyroid medication not right and screaming inside. The psych who I'd just started seeing wanted me to look a my personality..... No you don't. That's not what I wanted. So I moved on to a new psychologist.

The new psychologist is drilling down. I have to take stock of myself, my feelings, my emotions and ultimately - who I am (so I need to look at what has formed by beliefs, behaviours and values).

Interestingly I'm still apprehensive about divulging me. You know why - because I was brought up to show no emotion, to not feel good about myself. And especially NEVER talk to others about yourself. That would be bragging or worse, getting too big for my boots.

ATM feeling very emotive. I want to scream, I want to reach out to you all out there and to hug you all.

Hugs were never something that happened in our household. I only learnt how to hug women in the 1990s when I worked with some wonderful group of women in the disability field. How good was that!! What had I'd been missing all those years - hugs from women. It learnt it was okay. Hugging men - of course that was always okay cos it's normal.

Me - my heart pounds at least an hour or two every day. I spend and hour or two settling those pounds. Why does it happen - every look, every word, every sound and every thought make me feel worthless.

I asked hubby today if he loved himself. He said well, yes a lot more that I did before. You know I did that. I thought him to love himself. But can I do that for me. I'm really trying.

Loving oneself - keeps you well. I'll get there. BB forums is helping me like you'd never believe.

Sending everyone who reads this all the hugs I can.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[startingnew]

Oops that should have said card making not cars making

[Chloe_M]

Hi startingnew

yes I am a very social person I like to tell people things and I am very talkative. I did some mindfulness just now to try and calm me down. worked a little. I will go, we need to get this project done, and after I have to fundraise for relay for life with some other friends so I can't just not turn up. I'll let you know how it goes... Hopefully you're right and I do enjoy myself

Chloe

[PamelaR]

Hello everyone

By you've all been busy. So have I, just no on BB. But I'm here now for a little while.

CMF - thanks for finding my post and adding what keeps you well - your arts and craft. Good on you. All healthy stuff.

Pepper - you are wonderful. Yes, the garden is lush. We have NZ Christmas Bush trees and rainforest undergrowth. And space for veg. It all keeps me well - especially the birds, butterflies, bugs that come to visit.

Chloe - loved your pet fish story. Pets do help you to keep well don't they. I have one sitting with me at the moment asking to go outside. She'll have to wait awhile. You've certainly taken off with your posts - everywhere. Can't keep up with you. Hope you're staying well today. Have you been able to settle your anxiety?

Starting New - wow, you've been busy on my thread too! Nice to hear that arts and crafts keep you well. It's important to find the good things in life. It's all too easy to let ourselves slide into the darkness. I do not want to be there.

Photography went okay. A little disappointing, BUT, all birds I heard and saw made up for it. All part of my keeping well program. Outdoors (nature), exercise, grounding, mindfulness - all part of keeping me out of the darkness.

Thinking of all you lovely people.

Pammy ❤️

[Chloe_M]

Hi Pammy,

yes I do seem to be everywhere lol

no my anxiety is the same but the depression has gotten worse i am just hating everything today. just wish i could go to sleep and never wake up... hopefully tomorrow will be better

chloe

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Pammy (and all),

It sounds like your keeping well/self care program is going well for you 🙂

The birds that you saw must have been quite the sight. I love how nature is doing its little (or big) part to help nurture you.

Pepper xoxo

[startingnew]

i love the sound of your keeping well plan Pammy, some very good things in there! how are you going today?

[PamelaR]

Hi Chloe

Missed your post a couple of days ago. Hope you picking up again. I'm a touch busy these days responding to new people who contact BB. Haven't had a chance to check in here.

So what can we do to pick you up and help to stay well? You always sound very busy, what are your interests, i.e. those things that help you feel good about yourself?

Pammy

[PamelaR]

Hiya Pepper

Thank you for popping in. Yes, my mental health plan does work. Exhausting, but works.

Doesn't mean that I don't at times get a twinge of my heart hurting. But as soon as I distract, ground, identify the cause I begin to turn the hurting around.

Had planned to go and photograph some sea / coastal birds, however, the weather was coming in - raining. So more work in the garden today.

Yes, the birds are so beautiful. Love them too bits.

How have you been? I know you haven't wanted to be on your thread so maybe I shouldn't ask that question - you don't have to talk. That's okay. I'll just sit here and hold your hand.

Pammy❤️

[PamelaR]

Hello StartingNew

I'm going really well. Thanks for popping in. Been very busy now that I'm feeling better. Yes, I'm pretty pleased with my keeping well plan. All working well.

Pammy ❤️

[Chloe_M]

Hi Pammy,

Thanks for the response. Am still a little depressed but most of its gone now. However I was really bad on Monday and Tuesday... I think its on my thread, won't say anything here, its a bit distressing.

I love to dance, read, listen to music, shop, and hang out with my best friend. Typical teenage girl haha. I also love inspirational quotes and hashtags like #EndTheStigma.

Thanks for the support 🙂
Chloe