Lived Experience Forum

[StanD]

Hey there @Former-Member thankyou for such a lovely reply. Yes, the book club had been in my mind. I really want to do it, idk if I am up to it yet. I guess that is best thing about SANE, I can come & go as I feel able. And I really would like to discuss the book with others.

• StanD really distracted.  I attended a trauma therapy group online. It was VERY difficult. Helpful as well. I found out it was more harmful to me - vicarious trauma.

Whereas, 'the book thread club', in my mind, is about healing & sharing perhaps different things that spoke to us directly. I think that sort of stuff is interesting, & I feel like I get even deeper learning.

• New topic - i landed on a page that mentioned a long term member recovering from suicide attempt. If this person happens to read this, it made me feel very sad & I wish I could be there for you. I am - in my thoughts xx 

• Next topic!

I personally had a mental health crash that started on mother's Day. The best way to describe it, is that, I cannot do things anymore. 

I don't know what other words to use.

It is distressing, extremely frustrating - & in a way, EXACTLY what my body, heart, mind, spirit NEEDS, right now.

It feels so difficult to 'STOP' 

• I wanted to let members know & update everyone, I have been unable to keep up with messages, ..... & my replies .... It takes lots of effort.

I hope everyone is safe.

Oh, thankyou for tagging @Jynx & @tyme . I am not sure exactly what Weechat is. It maybe I do? Tuesday night topic? Yes, I think it is a wonderful idea. You are doing a beautiful job @Former-Member imo, you are a natural. I like the way you write, & how much Care you put into your replies. Please keep going👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 We need people like you. (And, also take as much 'me time' as you need) ❤️

I hope everyone is ok & practising 'radical love' - the concept to love one's own self. And be the best version of me, I can possibly be. (That will be good🙂)

@TAB @MDT @PeppyPatti @saturnzoon @StuF @SmilingGecko @Appleblossom @creative_writer sorry I have not read your previous replies yet! Thankyou for helping me. I am actually quite scared. (I have help + NDIS)

Thankyou Everyone.

Thankyou for contributing, & helping me in my recovery. Thankyou for being good people xx love you all (ex -roomie)

[TAB]

You're a Gem 💎 @StanD  hope you find some enjoyment in your day. Nap time here lol

[PeppyPatti]

Dear @MDT 

you have always seemed to me to be on the right path. 

I’m pretty sure that stuff…….’stuff,’ you have dealt with and left behind a long time ago are situations others your age are struggling with or more like………thinking about too much.

Maybe you can do this more……….just be kind and move on to more interesting things?

i visit a lady who lives where I live in the same block of flats. she is in a relationship with our friend but at 60, she obsesses over her continuous trauma ……..so sad. 

I think it’s best if I validate her and move on.

…………….Your probably doing this already.

[StuF]

@StanD 

Keep on keeping on 🙂

(Sorry, short reply, I'm out and about at the moment)

[creative_writer]

@StanD 💖🫂

[MDT]

Yo @StanD

In terms of the vicarious trauma of group therapy - hearing you. A few years ago I did the same thing when it came to a depression support group. It was actually hosted at a church and had no religious affiliation. I'll spare the details, but it was traumatic because it was like a group bible study - which was the problem


Just wanted to say I'm hearing what you're saying - take care of yourself



NB to anyone reading - no disrespect to people who are religious here, in fact i find that the book of proverbs and ecclesiates are both helpful for me in my own personal life. All the best

[Glisten]

@MDT  I was just passing, noticed your light on. I tip my hat to you.
I’m a Pinky-Lefto socialist atheist, about as socially acceptable as leprosy.
G

[MDT]

@PeppyPatti

Wise words - validate and move on

Those dark nights of the soul are some of the ones where I have done most of my self reflection. Those flickering lights in the distance that the bird is looking at - they speak to me - much like bird I have wings to fly from them. THAT is how I'd like to look at my trauma from the past.
This analogy was used in therapy yesterday and it tells me a lot because it means that I am able to distance myelf from the dear in the headlights. Sometimes those lights (fairy lights if you will which are actually objectively cool and pretty nice to look at) will seem like headlights and oncoming danger - only for them to pass me by for the beautiful thing it is.

[MDT]

haha @Glisten that made me giggle

[PeppyPatti]

You seem clever @MDT 

Could you - without any way of knowing what I'm writing - could you 

Just realise yourself that you are doing the best you can ?