Hi

[Ninox]

My name is Ninox because I think I am at least 50% owl. I have had mental health issues for decades but I'm here now because my sister is suicidal. I have been suicidal myself and lost friends and family to suicide. For the last few years I've been doing better than ever, able to work full time and manage anxiety without it wreaking havoc like it used to. This comes after being on DSP for 15 years and never thinking I could work full time again. Anyway it seems like now that things are going well for me, everyone else in my family is falling apart. So I'm looking for some strategies to help cope with what's happening without it bringing me undone as well.

[geoff]

Hello Ninox, and a warm welcome to the site.

I've also read your other comment about helping with other animals, which is always something I'd love to do, but now 'the bird has flown' and unable to because of my physical conditions.

From what you have told us, your recovery certainly needs to be accepted, but more so, congratulated on being able to come off DSP and work once again.

Your achievement is to look after yourself first, even though you care/love for other people is also to be rewarded, but guide them towards professional help while you concentrate on progressing.

Tell us what you are doing at the moment, only if you want to.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Tay100]

Hi Ninox

Thanks for reaching out, especially in a time when you seem to be going through a lot right now- your own issues and your family's issues, which can be just as distressing. You are more than welcome to explore the forum for advice and solidarity. I also recommend you contact Beyond Blue for some more structured guidance if you feel like you would benefit from it: The Beyond Blue Support Service provides advice and support via telephone 24/7 (just call 1300 22 4636), daily web chat (between 3pm–12am) and email (with a response provided within 24 hours). Keep us updated if you like- we can brainstorm some personalised coping strategies in this thread if you like.

Tay100

[bettertomorrows]

Hi Ninox,

I'm so glad that things are getting better for you, and would just like to take a moment to acknowledge your strength and resilience. I can't imagine how difficult things must be for you to balance your mental health as well as being there for your sister, but you're doing a really great thing.

I'm not really sure of any strategies that might be helpful for you. Some suggestions I have might be establishing a self-care routine might be helpful for you, such as fifteen minutes of meditation or mindfulness a day? Checking-in with a trusted person about how you're going, and setting boundaries for yourself? I found something really useful previously like a self-care calendar but I can't quite find it now. Black Dog Institute and Smiling Mind are really good places to find information and resources as well 🙂

Let us know how you go whenever you feel up to it Ninox, Take care.

Boo

[Tay100]

Hi Ninox,

Just thought I'd stop by and ask if you found the Beyond Blue links I gave you helpful? Hopefully they gave you some professional advice and insight that you found useful. You can use this thread to keep us updated on this thread, if you like- we are here to chat too.

Tay100