The Christmas support thread

[not_so_insig]

With Christmas being less than a week away I thought I would start my annual Christmas support thread. Post here if you are struggling with this time of year or alternatively if you can offer support to others.

Dont forget that there's support helplines out there if you prefer an immediate response.

[Indigo.]

<3

I don't know how I'm just supposed to get through this okay/unscathed. Is it just me? No hope.

[nonperson]

Thanks for the thread, Dawn.

It's not just you, Indigo. I don't think I'm going to make it through unscathed and am not sure how to manage it either. =/

But there is definitely always hope.

[not_so_insig]

Yes I am not looking forward to it. It's stressful. I have lots of prn which I know that I can take if need be. I try not to take it but still it's reassuring to know it's a option. One year I got bothered by the voices so bad I ended up taking prn and spending most of the day asleep. One year I was hypamanic. I just end up worrying that either of those happen again because they were not fun.

[Indigo.]

Thanks NP <3 I'm struggling to have hope. Xmas has made it all worse.

Dawn, I can relate, spent last year's Xmas Day so hungover I couldn't move + having a psychotic episode :/
It's good you have PRN as an option! I hope this Xmas is better for you than those previous ones you've mentioned X

I am stuck in a terrible cycle of making plans to hurt myself due to being in so much emotional pain, and then feeling guilty for inevitably upsetting people I care about.

[one_step_closer]

I'll be around throughout the festive period if I can be of any support to people. I might not be able to do much though Christmas is hard for me too but I want to do what I can for you all.

[nonperson]

Everyone's here for you as well. Don't forget that.

[Koala hugs]

Just want to let u all know that ur not alone in struggling over Christmas nd I hope you have help wen u need it and that you have a happier healthier new year

[tamobhuuta]

Thanks for making this thread. My grandmother is coming tomorrow, my sister is really struggling and I'm not good either.

[one_step_closer]

Is your Grandmother staying over or just visiting for the day? Is there anything that will make things easier for you?

[tamobhuuta]

I think she's staying about a week. My plan is to take breaks from socialising when needed.

[not_so_insig]

I think that's a good plan tamobhuuta. I am planning to take time on my own because peopling is hard. I suspect that I will spend a lot of my time asleep as that is my coping mechanism.

[Indigo.]

Having time for yourselves sounds like a good plan!

I am doing the same but also trying very hard to plan seeing people so I don't...hurt myself too bad(if I've got plans I'll try to be okay for them.)

[one_step_closer]

It's definitely best to try and a balance between peopling and spending time alone. I think your mind tells you what you need but I know that sometimes it can be hard to do what you need especially when people expect you to spend time with them.

[Indigo.]

Yeah it's hard to manage social expectations while also listening to your own needs. I was on holiday with my dad years ago and he got incredibly upset when I said I needed some time alone! I think setting boundaries can be hard if people may take it personally.

[one_step_closer]

Talking to people before hand could be a good idea, just to let them know that you (anyone) will probably need some time to yourself and that it's just to let you rest for a bit so you're able to continue with socialising afterwards.

[Indigo.]

Sending love to everyone today! X

[Koala hugs]

Sends love to u all also. How's everyone doin hanging in there? I've completely lost my appetite n so barely touched my Xmas lunch but hey ho it's been good for me apart from that starting to feel a bit bored cold n lonely but not in a overly bad way have company tomorrow and looking forward to that and at least no one is here to b cross I couldn't eat lunch so I don't feel like I'm letting anyone down take care guys all of u. 🐨

[Indigo.]

Sorry you've lost your appetite Koala, I hope you feel better soon. It's good you've got company tomorrow, I hope you have a good time x

[Koala hugs]

Thanks I hope so too. Yes it will b good to see a friendly face